iii. The Cerebral Cortex
III. A Theoretical Framework for Language
Conclusion: How Does the Brain Work?
I. Introduction
“Our theory is original in that it proposes a model architecture and
functioning rules as compatible as possible with experimental knowledge.”
--Yves Burnod
A Model Architecture
The goal of our model is to to explain structure, function, and learning straight from neurobiology.
- Structure: how the brain works from the from the subcellular level all the way up to the structure of the cerebral cortex.
- Function: the key characteristic of the brain is its adaptive behavior. The model should explain how this arises from the underlying structure.
- Learning: how cortical maturation and acquisition of skills such as language comes about
Structure
Function
The most impressive characteristic of the cerebral cortex is its flexibility and adaptability to a wide variety of situations, including tasks such as, but not limited to:
- recognition of complex forms
- visually-guided hand movements
- execution of structured programs
- language learning
Learning
Learning and memorization occurs at all hierarchical levels of the cortex:
physically and chemically at the cellular and subcellular level
afferent and inhibitory learning, and the formation of call stacks at the
- columnar level
- geometry of cortical areas and interconnections during development and maturation
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