Overview
Parallel Distributed Processing is transforming the field of cognitive science. Microcognition provides a clear, readable guide to this emerging paradigm from a cognitive philosopher's point of view. It explains and explores the biological basis of PDP, its psychological importance, and its philosophical relevance.
Starting with a survey of the assumptions and methodology of classical AI, Microcognition proceeds to a full treatment of the PDP alternative. It describes the main properties of PDP architectures with numerous examples, and it explores the tangled question of their relationship with classical work, the theoretical significance of mixed PDP and classical models, and various criticisms of the models. Biological and evolutionary perspectives are also included. Of particular philosophical interest is the author's treatment of the relation between these computational models and ordinary talk of beliefs and desires, or folk-psychology.
Microcognition is included in the series Explorations in Cognitive Science, edited by Margaret Boden. A Bradford Book.
About the Author
Andy Clark is Doctor of Philosophy at the School of Cognitive and Computing Sciences at the University of Sussex.
Endorsements
"Andy Clark is surely one of the brightest, wisest, wittiest philosophers working in this fast-growing field today. His examples are apt, and his writing is clear and vivid. The book is as authoritative as its tone suggests."
—Daniel C. Dennett, Tufts University
"Witty and eloquent .... Definitely worth reading."
Amahl Smith, Times Literary Supplement