The Mind within the Net: Models of Learning, Thinking, and Acting

Spitzer, Manfred

ISBN 10: 0262194066 / ISBN 13: 9780262194068

Published by Bradford Books, 1999

About this Item

Excellent Condition.Excels in customer satisfaction, prompt replies, and quality checks.

Seller Inventory # Scanned0262194066

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Mind within the Net: Models of Learning, Thinking, and Acting
• Publisher: Bradford Books
• Publication Date: 1999
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0262194066
• ISBN 13: 9780262194068
• Binding: Hardcover
• Condition: new

About this title

Synopsis

How does the brain work? How do billions of neurons bring about ideas, sensations, emotions, and actions? Why do children learn faster than elderly people? What can go wrong in perception, thinking, learning, and acting? Scientists now use computer models to help us to understand the most private and human experiences. In The Mind Within the Net, Manfred Spitzer shows how these models can fundamentally change how we think about learning, creativity, thinking, and acting, as well as such matters as schools, retirement homes, politics, and mental disorders.

Neurophysiology has told us a lot about how neurons work; neural network theory is about how neurons work together to process information. In this highly readable book, Spitzer provides a basic, nonmathematical introduction to neural networks and their clinical applications. Part I explains the fundamental theory of neural networks and how neural network models work. Part II covers the principles of network functioning and how computer simulations of neural networks have profound consequences for our understanding of how the brain works. Part III covers applications of network models (e.g., to knowledge representation, language, and mental disorders such as schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease) that shed new light on normal and abnormal states of mind. Finally, Spitzer concludes with his thoughts on the ramifications of neural networks for the understanding of neuropsychology and human nature.

About the Author

Manfred Spitzer is Professor and Chairman of the Psychiatric Hospital at the University of Ulm, Germany.