Cognitive architectures as Lakatosian research programmes: two case studies

Cognitive architectures - task-general theories of the structure and function of the complete cognitive system - are sometimes argued to be more akin to frameworks or belief systems than scientific theories. The argument stems from the apparent non-falsifiability of existing cognitive architectures. Newell was aware of this criticism and argued that architectures should be viewed not as theories subject to Popperian falsification, but rather as Lakatosian research programs based on cumulative growth. Newell's argument is undermined because he failed to demonstrate that the development of Soar, his own candidate architecture, adhered to Lakatosian principles. This paper presents detailed case studies of the development of two cognitive architectures, Soar and ACT-R, from a Lakatosian perspective. It is demonstrated that both are broadly Lakatosian, but that in both cases there have been theoretical progressions that, according to Lakatosian criteria, are pseudo-scientific. Thus, Newell's defense of Soar as a scientific rather than pseudo-scientific theory is not supported in practice. The ACT series of architectures has fewer pseudo-scientific progressions than Soar, but it too is vulnerable to accusations of pseudo-science. From this analysis, it is argued that successive versions of theories of the human cognitive architecture must explicitly address five questions to maintain scientific credibility

Using fractional order method to generalize strengthening generating operator buffer operator and weakening buffer operator

Traditional integer order buffer operator is extended to fractional order buffer operator, the corresponding relationship between the weakening buffer operator and the strengthening buffer operator is revealed. Fractional order buffer operator not only can generalize the weakening buffer operator and the strengthening buffer operator, but also realize tiny adjustment of buffer effect. The effectiveness of GM(1,1) with the fractional order buffer operator is validated by six cases

Business Case and Technology Analysis for 5G Low Latency Applications

A large number of new consumer and industrial applications are likely to change the classic operator's business models and provide a wide range of new markets to enter. This article analyses the most relevant 5G use cases that require ultra-low latency, from both technical and business perspectives. Low latency services pose challenging requirements to the network, and to fulfill them operators need to invest in costly changes in their network. In this sense, it is not clear whether such investments are going to be amortized with these new business models. In light of this, specific applications and requirements are described and the potential market benefits for operators are analysed. Conclusions show that operators have clear opportunities to add value and position themselves strongly with the increasing number of services to be provided by 5G.Comment: 18 pages, 5 figure

Lessons learned from the financial crisis for financial stability and banking supervision

The financial crisis that began in 2007 has revealed a need for a new supervisory and regulatory approach aimed at strengthening the system and containing the risk of future financial and economic disruptions. Three ingredients are needed to ensure financial stability: robust analysis, better regulation, and international cooperation. First, financial stability analysis must be improved to take full account of the different sources of systemic risk. Data coverage of the balance sheets of both non-bank financial institutions and the non-financial sectors should be increased. Moreover, to address the problems raised by the interconnections among financial institutions more granular and timely information on their exposures is needed. There must be further integration of macro- and micro-information and an upgrading of financial stability models. The second ingredient is the design of robust regulatory measures. Under the auspices of the G20 and the Financial Stability Board, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision recently put forward substantial proposals on capital and liquidity. They will result in more robust capital base, lower leverage, less cyclical capital rules and better control of liquidity risk. Finally, the third ingredient is strong international cooperation. Ensuring more effective exchanges of information among supervisors in different jurisdictions and successful common actions is key in preserving financial integration, while avoiding negative cross-border spill-overs. Better resolution regimes are part of the efforts to ensure that the crisis of one institution does not impair the ability of the financial markets to provide essential services to the economy.financial crisis, international cooperation, macroprudential analysis, procyclicality, prudential regulation, stress tests