On simplifying brain functions

Wlodzislaw Duch
Department of Computer Methods, 
Nicholas Copernicus University, 
Grudziadzka 5, 87-100 Torun, Poland


A new approximation to the dynamics of neocortex, preserving essential
functions but not the microstructure, is presented. Local feature spaces are
used to replace neurodynamics of neural cell assemblies in categorization,
approximation and generalization processes. A global workspace (mind space),
resulting from cooperation among local feature spaces, facilitates
memory-based reasoning. Implementation of this idea leads to a modular,
neurofuzzy system as a model of mind. This approach provides a link between
neurodynamics and cognitive science. The status and further directions of
this project are reviewed.