Explaining Neural Transitions through Resource Constraints.

One challenge in explaining neural evolution is the formal equivalence of different computational architectures. If a simple architecture suffices, why should more complex neural architectures evolve? The answer must involve the intense competition for resources under which brains operate. I show ho...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Publicado en:Philosophy of Science Vol. 89; no. 5; pp. 1196 - 1203
Autor principal: Klein, Colin
Formato: Artículo
Publicado: Cambridge University Press Dec2022
Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
Descripción
Sumario:One challenge in explaining neural evolution is the formal equivalence of different computational architectures. If a simple architecture suffices, why should more complex neural architectures evolve? The answer must involve the intense competition for resources under which brains operate. I show how recurrent neural networks can be favored when increased complexity allows for more efficient use of existing resources. Although resource constraints alone can drive a change, recurrence shifts the landscape of what is later evolvable. Hence organisms on either side of a transition boundary may have similar cognitive capacities but very different potential for evolving new capacities.