A theory of the brain: localist representation is used widely in the brain

ON LOCALIST AND DISTRIBUTED REPRESENTATIONS In this article, I present the theory that localist representation is used widely in the brain starting from its earliest levels of processing. Page (2000) argued for localist representation and Bowers (2009) claimed that the brain uses grandmother cells to code for objects and concepts. However, neither Page (2000) nor Bowers (2009) claimed widespread use of localist representation in the brain. So this is a stronger position than that taken by either. To support the proposed theory, I present neurophysiological evidence, both old and new, and an analysis of localist and distributed representation definitions and models. “Meaning and interpretation” on a stand-alone basis is the fundamental character of a localist unit. In arguing for the proposed theory, I bring to the forefront the “meaning and interpretation” aspect of localist cells and the evidence for it in the brain. I also show that localist and distributed models are not different structurally. In fact, any kind of model can be built with localist units. However, localist representation has no claim on the resulting properties of such models or what they can do.

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