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non-linearity, neurons, computation and connectionism

Because of the non-linear way in which neurons respond to inputs, the computer programmer who would like to simulate the way brain processes information must create a mini-program to imitate the input/ output relation found in each neuron.

Perhaps simulating the operation of a neuron with a computer program is akin to generating a CD (with its digitalization of sound) to simulate the sound of a record.  In both cases, the imitation can be conceived of in terms of ones and zeros, while the thing being imitated is approximated but never truly duplicated by the imitation.


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