Balkenius

Are There Dimensions in the Brain?

Christian Balkenius

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Keywords: Quality dimensions, Convexity, Distributed representations, Neural coding.

Abstract: If individual cells do not code dimensions, is it still possible to find representations of dimensions in the brain? It is suggested that perceptual quality dimensions are represented in the brain as a distributed activity pattern at multiple scales. It is shown that categories learned using such representations fulfil a soft convexity criterion when no counterexamples to convexity are presented. A multi-scale representation of properties also allows the same population of cells to support multiple representational spaces that can be selected by a priming mechanism.

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Christian Balkenius, Lund University Cognitive Science.

Spinning Ideas, Electronic Essays
Dedicated to Peter Gärdenfors on His Fiftieth Birthday


	Are There Dimensions in the Brain?
	Christian Balkenius
	[Back to paper list] [Start page] [Alphabetical index]
	Keywords: Quality dimensions, Convexity, Distributed representations, Neural coding.
	Abstract: If individual cells do not code dimensions, is it still possible to find representations of dimensions in the brain? It is suggested that perceptual quality dimensions are represented in the brain as a distributed activity pattern at multiple scales. It is shown that categories learned using such representations fulfil a soft convexity criterion when no counterexamples to convexity are presented. A multi-scale representation of properties also allows the same population of cells to support multiple representational spaces that can be selected by a priming mechanism.

	Click here to obtain the paper in PDF format.
	Christian Balkenius, Lund University Cognitive Science.

Spinning Ideas, Electronic Essays Dedicated to Peter Gärdenfors on His Fiftieth Birthday