Page 386 - Deep Learning

Elements of a Unified Theory 369

Types of non-monotonic change

Creativity Adaptation Conversion

Abstract
principles
Basic cognitive processes

Theory Abstraction
Figure 11.1. structure of the layered research strategy. The micro­theories for creativ­
ity, adaptation and conversion are distinct but the abstract principles of the unified
theory are instantiated by each.

state of neural matter, or at least neural matter wired the way human brains
are wired. indeed, activity is a prerequisite for neural health. synapses that do
not transmit any signal for a long period of time are pruned from the cortex,
and neurons that are not active atrophy and disappear. Because activity is
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the default state of neural matter, its occurrence has no cause and needs no
explanation.
At the cognitive level, it follows that we do not have to explain why cog­
nitive processes occur; that is, we need not explain why, for example, beliefs,
concepts, schemas and strategies are greedy for instances and compete to apply.
The arrival of stimuli at a sensory surface is sufficient for perceptual processes
to engage; a spoken sentence automatically triggers discourse comprehension
as well as retrieval of relevant beliefs; and a familiar task automatically acti­
vates the relevant strategy. indeed, the mind does not even need stimulation to
be active. While asleep, we dream, and while idle, we daydream. Even stronger
evidence is provided by studies of sensory deprivation. People who are awake
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but placed in a situation where they experience minimal perceptual stimula­
tion do not report a blank mind but streams of thoughts, including visual and
auditory sensations and even hallucinations. The generation, activation, appli­
cation and manipulation of mental representations is the substratum of cogni­
tion and it can be assumed in explanations of cognitive phenomena the way
the striving of atoms and molecules toward minimal energy states is assumed
in explanations of chemical reactions and the universal presence of gravity is
assumed in cosmology.