_Autonetics Research Center_
_Anaheim, California_
Research of high quality has been presented at this Symposium. Of
particular interest to me were the reports of the Aeronutronic group
and the Librascope group. The Aeronutronic group was commendably
systematic in its investigations of different arrangements of linear
threshold elements, and the Librascope data, presenting the effects of
attaching different values to the parameters of simulated neurons, are
both systematic and interesting.
Unfortunately, however, interest in such research can obscure a more
fundamental question which seems to merit study. That question concerns
the parameters, or attributes, which describe the simulated neuron.
Specifically, which parameters or attributes should be selected for
simulation? (For example, should a period of supernormal sensitivity be
simulated following an absolutely refractory period?)
Some selection obviously has to be made. Librascope, which is
trying to simulate neurons more or less faithfully, plans to build
a net of ten simulated neurons. In contrast, General Dynamics/Fort
Worth, with roughly the same degree of effort, is working with 3900
unfaithfully-simulated neurons. This comparison is not a criticism
of either group; the Librascope team has simply selected many more
parameters for simulation than has the General Dynamics group. Each
can make the selections it prefers, because the parameters of real
neurons which are necessary and sufficient for learning have not been
exhaustively identified.
From the point of view of one whose interests include real neurons,
this lack of identification is unfortunate. I once wrote a book which
included some guesses about the essential attributes of neurons. Since
that time, many neuron simulation programs have been written. But these
programs, although interesting and worthwhile in their own right, have
done little to answer the question of the necessary parameters. That
is, they do not make much better guesses possible. And yet better
guesses would also make for more “intelligent” machines.
[22] This paper, submitted after the Symposium, represents a more
detailed presentation of some of the issues raised in the discussion
sessions at the Symposium and hence, constitutes a worthwhile addition
to the Proceedings.