ABSTRACT

An interesting identity theory has been advanced by Paul Churchland. His views depend on the theoretical paradigm of connectionism. Connectionist models begin with the idea of a network composed of very simple units whose individual outputs depend upon the set of inputs they receive from all the units feeding into them. Churchland's identity theory is that there are sub-networks of the brain, operating in an essentially connectionist fashion, which can be identified with states of sensory consciousness. The connectionist approach to the brain and mind is fertile, promising and exciting. It may well mark a revolutionary change in our understanding of both the nature and function of the representations which inform cognitive processes. The brain is awash with neural networks handling every conceivable sort of operation upon sensory input. The vector coding identity theory provides no principled reasons for its hypothetical identifications.