Strategic epistemology: Introduction to a neural network model of associative learning

Abstract

In this paper we introduce an approach we are calling “strategic” epistemology, using the specific example of the impact of neural network models on the behavioural sciences. We begin with the philosophical justification of these models, their classification and theirimportance in several disciplines, such as cognitive psychology, experimental behaviour analysis, ethology and behavioural neuroscience. Finally, we describe the DYSTAL neural network, an example of the confluence of the top-down strategy (psychology) and the bottom-up strategy (neurosciences) in the explanation of associative learning.