Neural network models of autonomous adaptive intelligence and artificial general intelligence: how our brains learn large language models and their meanings

This article describes a biological neural network model that explains how humans learn to understand large language models and their meanings. This kind of learning typically occurs when a student learns from a teacher about events that they experience together. Multiple types of self-organizing brain processes are involved, including content-addressable memory; conscious visual perception; joint attention; object learning, categorization, and cognition; conscious recognition; cognitive working memory; cognitive planning; neural-symbolic computing; emotion; cognitive-emotional interactions and reinforcement learning; volition; and goal-oriented actions. The article advances earlier results showing how small language models are learned that have perceptual and affective meanings. The current article explains how humans, and neural network models thereof, learn to consciously see and recognize an unlimited number of visual scenes. Then, bi-directional associative links can be learned and stably remembered between these scenes, the emotions that they evoke, and the descriptive language utterances associated with them. Adaptive resonance theory circuits control model learning and self-stabilizing memory. These human capabilities are not found in AI models such as ChatGPT. The current model is called ChatSOME, where SOME abbreviates Self-Organizing MEaning. The article summarizes neural network highlights since the 1950s and leading models, including adaptive resonance, deep learning, LLMs, and transformers.

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Publication Details

Journal
Frontiers in Systems Neuroscience
Published
2025-07-30
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fnsys.2025.1630151
Primary Topic
Cognitive Science and Mapping
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
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article

Neural network models of autonomous adaptive intelligence and artificial general intelligence: how our brains learn large language models and their meanings

Stephen Grossberg
Frontiers in Systems Neuroscience
Cognitive Science and Mapping
article

Neural network models of autonomous adaptive intelligence and artificial general intelligence: how our brains learn large language models and their meanings

Stephen Grossberg
article en

Abstract

This article describes a biological neural network model that explains how humans learn to understand large language models and their meanings. This kind of learning typically occurs when a student learns from a teacher about events that they experience together. Multiple types of self-organizing brain processes are involved, including content-addressable memory; conscious visual perception; joint attention; object learning, categorization, and cognition; conscious recognition; cognitive working memory; cognitive planning; neural-symbolic computing; emotion; cognitive-emotional interactions and reinforcement learning; volition; and goal-oriented actions. The article advances earlier results showing how small language models are learned that have perceptual and affective meanings. The current article explains how humans, and neural network models thereof, learn to consciously see and recognize an unlimited number of visual scenes. Then, bi-directional associative links can be learned and stably remembered between these scenes, the emotions that they evoke, and the descriptive language utterances associated with them. Adaptive resonance theory circuits control model learning and self-stabilizing memory. These human capabilities are not found in AI models such as ChatGPT. The current model is called ChatSOME, where SOME abbreviates Self-Organizing MEaning. The article summarizes neural network highlights since the 1950s and leading models, including adaptive resonance, deep learning, LLMs, and transformers.

Frontiers in Systems NeuroscienceVol. 19
Boston University (US), Hologic (Germany) (DE)
Quality Education
Openalex Percentile: Top 91%
Cognitive Science and Mapping
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Neural network models of autonomous adaptive intelligence and artificial general intelligence: how our brains learn large language models and their meanings — Stephen Grossberg · Frontiers in Systems Neuroscience (2025) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS