Fuzzy Logical Model of Perception (FLMP) of Dominic W. Massaro

Basic Ideas:

Fuzzy Logical Model of Perception (FLMP) focuses upon the nature of memory retrieval. Similar to O.G. Selfridge's "pandimonium" model, it describes memory fetches as using a "goodness-of-match" technique.

"In pandemoniumlike terms (Selfridge, 1959), we might say that it is not how loud some demon is shouting but rather the relative loudness of that demon in the crowd of relevant demons. ... the most informative feature has the greatest impact on the judgement." - Dominic W. Massaro, Broadening the Domain of the Fuzzy Logical Model of Perception (from COGNITION: Conceptual and Methodological Issues, ISBN 1-55798-165-5

Theory Roots:

FLMP dates back to at least O.G. Selfridge's Pandemonium modle of 1959. The idea of a competitive factor can be deduced from the Darwin/Spencer idea of "Survival of the Fittest". However, Massaro tweaks this idea into "Survival of the Best Fit" - a small but highly significant nuance. Recent researchers all are congregating around a "winner take all" apparatus underpinning the mind (Koch, Baars, & others). The FLMP is in concert and supportive of these theoretical shifts.

Importance:

Though the Fuzzy Logical Model of Perception (FLMP) grew around understanding speech, the brain typically reuses useful behaviors and adapts them for multiple uses. If speech uses a "goodness-of-match" technique, it is likely that the rest of the mind does, too. If so, this "goodness-of-match" can be termed "Survival of the Best Fit" as well which provides a quick and easy link from the mind to evolution.

Further Reading:

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