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Oct 31, 2023

How deep is the brain? The shallow brain hypothesis

Posted by in category: robotics/AI

Deep learning and predictive coding architectures commonly assume that inference in neural networks is hierarchical. However, largely neglected in deep learning and predictive coding architectures is the neurobiological evidence that all hierarchical cortical areas, higher or lower, project to and receive signals directly from subcortical areas. Given these neuroanatomical facts, today’s dominance of cortico-centric, hierarchical architectures in deep learning and predictive coding networks is highly questionable; such architectures are likely to be missing essential computational principles the brain uses. In this Perspective, we present the shallow brain hypothesis: hierarchical cortical… More.


Architectures in neural networks commonly assume that inference is hierarchical. In this Perspective, Suzuki et al. present the shallow brain hypothesis, a neural processing mechanism based on neuroanatomical and electrophysiological evidence that intertwines hierarchical cortical processing with a massively parallel process to which subcortical areas substantially contribute.

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