A simulation system for the investigation of cognitive processes in artificial cognitive systems-Radical connectionism and computational neuroepistemology

The aim of the project described is to achieve a deeper understanding of cognitive processes. It is based on the assumption that cognition is the result of neural activities taking place in a natural or artificial neural network (ANN). In the model presented the network is not embedded into a linguistic environment but rather is physically coupled to the environment via sensors and effectors. From an epistemological as well as computer science perspective this is a radical step which has many very important implications. In computational neuroepistemology this kind of connectionism is called radical connectionism or radical neural computing. The ANN has to be physically embedded into its environment. This means that the communication between the system and its environment takes place via effectors and sensors. No symbols are involved in this process of interaction. A recurrent topology is required which ensures a nonlinear and nontrivial behavior. Technical details are given on the simulation of the environment, of the interactions between the artificial cognitive system(s) and the environment and on the implementation of the simulation