reprints available

[Dr Michael G Dyer]

reprints available:

Dyer, M. G.  Distributed symbol formation and processing
in connectionist networks.  Journal of Experimental and Theoretical
Artificial Intelligence.  Vol. 2, 215-239, 1990.

Abstract:  Distributed connectionist (DC) systems offer a set of 
processing features which are distinct from those provided by 
traditional symbol processing (SP) systems.  In general, the features 
of DC systems are derived from the nature of their distributed 
representations.  Such representations have a microsemantics -- i.e. 
symbols with similar internal representations tend to have similar 
processing effects.   In contrast, the symbols in SP systems have no 
intrinsic microsemantics of their own; e.g.  SP symbols are formed by 
concatenating ASCII codes that are static, human engineered, and 
arbitrary.  Such symbols possess only a macrosemantics -- i.e. 
symbols are placed into structured relationships with other symbols, 
via pointers, and bindings are propagated via variables.  The fact 
that DC and SP systems each provide a distinct set of useful features 
serves as a strong research motivation for seeking a synthesis.  What 
is needed for such a synthesis is a method by which symbols can 
dynamically form their own microsemantics, while at the same time 
entering into structured, recursive relationships with other symbols, 
thus developing also a macrosemantics.  Here, we describe a general 
method, called symbol recirculation, for allowing symbols to form 
their own microsemantics.  We then discuss three techniques for 
implementing variables and bindings in DC systems.  Finally, we 
describe a number of DC systems, based on these techniques, which 
perform a variety of high-level cognitive tasks.

requests for reprints should be sent to:   valerie at cs.ucla.edu