ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an introduction to classical symbolic theory, including the symbolic information processing method, the local symbol representation, the symbolic production systems, and the standard argument for symbolism. It presents an introduction to the cognitive theory of connectionism. The chapter provides the respective basic concepts, statements and subject area in detail, including the associated connectionistic information processing method, the representational typology, the potential landscape-metaphor, the basic models in connectionism, the methodical principles, and the relation between connectionism and dynamical system theory. It discusses the positive motivation and the criticism of symbol theory and connectionism. The classic symbol-processing theory, "symbolism," considers symbolic information processing as the appropriate explanatory approach for cognition and intelligence. In competition with classical symbolic theory, the main idea behind the connectionist cognition model is that functions, principles and structures are transferred from cognitive neurobiology, medical neurophysiology and cognitive neuropsychology, to the technical information processing systems in neuroinformatics.
