Approach to modeling thought processes by neural growing nets (Q1375247)

The present article is a symbiosis of two paradigms -- the bionic approach to intelligent system design and the theory of neural growing nets (n-GNs), which is currently one of the main directions for in-depth development of the bionic approach. The bionic approach models thought processes with emphasis on their goal-directed nature and embeds the fundamental informational features of these processes in computer hardware (with pragmatic weighting). It thus has a dual meaning, both conceptual and applied, and the conceptual aspect, although of independent value, is a necessary component of the applied. The bionic approach models thought processes as such, and not only the results of thought processes. It thus provides so-called ``process'' modeling, which simulates the informational essence of the functioning of natural thought mechanisms. This is inseparably linked with representation of the structure of these processes, which is the subject of neurobionics in this particular application. Process modeling of thought mechanisms is different from ``modeling of human reasoning'' in its ordinary sense, because the latter is restricted to logical interpretation. It is therefore desirable to extend this term so that modeling of human reasoning also covers simulation of additional processes, such as generation of views and concepts, organization of reasoning in the sense of manipulating views and concepts, and finally formulation of conclusions as the end result of a chain of reasoning. The term ``reasoning'' is thus understood as covering various manifestations of goal-directed thought activity in the process of problem solving. This reasoning cannot be modeled by standard logical methods using them with a purely functional orientation, detached from thought processes themselves (this, however, does not detract from their value for solving many practical problems). The so-called cognitive approach to representation and processing of knowledge brings the models of reasoning closer to simulation of thought processes. The cognitive approach is being currently enriched through combination with appropriately modified logical methods. Despite significant accomplishments in this direction, the relevance of further development of the bionic approach has not diminished.