Theory of cortical function
Abstract
A unified theory of cortical function is proposed for guiding both neuroscience and artificial intelligence research. The theory offers an empirically testable framework for understanding how the brain accomplishes three key functions: (i) inference: perception is nonconvex optimization that combines sensory input with prior expectation; (ii) exploration: inference relies on neural response variability to explore different possible interpretations; (iii) prediction: inference includes making predictions over a hierarchy of timescales. These three functions are implemented in a recurrent and recursive neural network, providing a role for feedback connections in cortex, and controlled by state parameters hypothesized to correspond to neuromodulators and oscillatory activity.
- Publication:
-
Proceedings of the National Academy of Science
- Pub Date:
- February 2017
- DOI:
- 10.1073/pnas.1619788114
- Bibcode:
- 2017PNAS..114.1773H