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The emulation theory of representation: motor control, imagery, and perception

Grush, Rick The emulation theory of representation: motor control, imagery, and perception.

Short Abstract:

The emulation theory of representation is developed as a framework for understanding representational capacities of the brain. It is based upon constructs from control theory (forward models) and signal processing (Kalman filters). On this theory, the brain constructs emulators the body and environment which, during normal sensorimotor behavior, are run in parallel with the emulated systems in order to produce expectations and otherwise enhance sensory information. These emulators can also be run off-line to produce imagery, and evaluate likely outcomes of different courses of action. The framework is developed and explored in the contexts of motor control, imagery, and perception.

Long Abstract:

The emulation theory of representation, is developed and explored as a framework that can revealingly synthesize a wide variety of representational functions of the brain. The framework is based on constructs from control theory (forward models) and signal processing (Kalman filters). The idea is that in addition to simply engaging with the body and environment, the brain constructs neural circuits that act as models of the body and environment. During overt sensorimotor engagement, these models are driven by efferent copies, in parallel with the body and environment, in order to provide expectations of the sensory feedback, and to enhance and process this information. These models can also be run off-line in order to produce imagery, estimate outcomes of different actions, and evaluate and develop motor plans. The framework is initially developed within the context of motor control, where it has been shown that inner models running in parallel with the body can reduce the effects of feedback delay problems. The same framework can account for motor imagery as the off-line driving of the emulator via efferent copies. The framework is extended to account for visual imagery as the off-line driving of an emulator of the motor-visual loop. I also show how such systems can provide for amodal spatial imagery. Perception, including visual perception, results from such models being used to form expectations of, and interpret, sensory input. I close by briefly outlining other cognitive functions that can be synthesized within this framework, including reasoning, theory of mind phenomena, and language.

Keywords:	efferent copies, emulation theory of representation, forward models, Kalman filters, motor control, motor imagery, perception, visual imagery
Subjects:	Psychology: Cognitive Psychology Neuroscience: Motor Function Psychology: Perceptual Cognitive Psychology
ID code:	bbs00001190
Deposited by:	Rick Grush on 15 April 2002
Alternative Locations:	http://mind.ucsd.edu/papers/emulation/emulation.html