A general-purpose simulation environment for developing connectionist models

Abstract

Developing and evaluating "connectionist models" in artificial intelligence, cognitive science, and neurophysiological model ing is currently a difficult and time-consuming task. To address this issue, as part of a larger research effort, we implemented a software system called MIRRORS/II for developing connec tionist models. MIRRORS/II is distinguished by its support of a very high-level non-procedural language along with user and system libraries for the accumulation of system resources. We describe these features in detail, give a small example of the use of MIRRORS/II, and outline details of the implementation. Fi nally, we discuss current work using MIRRORS/II, future plans for the system and other related connectionist modeling systems.