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Comment
. 2014 Apr;37(2):205-6.
doi: 10.1017/S0140525X13002343.

Hebbian Learning is about contingency, not contiguity, and explains the emergence of predictive mirror neurons

Christian Keysers  1 , David I Perrett  2 , Valeria Gazzola  3
Affiliations
Comment

Hebbian Learning is about contingency, not contiguity, and explains the emergence of predictive mirror neurons

Christian Keysers et al. Behav Brain Sci. 2014 Apr.

Abstract

Hebbian Learning should not be reduced to contiguity, as it detects contingency and causality. Hebbian Learning accounts of mirror neurons make predictions that differ from associative learning: Through Hebbian Learning, mirror neurons become dynamic networks that calculate predictions and prediction errors and relate to ideomotor theories. The social force of imitation is important for mirror neuron emergence and suggests canalization.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
(a) Temporal asymmetry in Hebbian Learning. (b) ASL predicts associations between corresponding phases of an action sequence. Hebbian Learning predicts associations between subsequent phases, i.e. predictions (c); utilizes inhibitory feedback (d) for prediction errors (e).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Comment in

Comment on

  • Mirror neurons: from origin to function.
    Cook R, Bird G, Catmur C, Press C, Heyes C. Cook R, et al. Behav Brain Sci. 2014 Apr;37(2):177-92. doi: 10.1017/S0140525X13000903. Behav Brain Sci. 2014. PMID: 24775147 Review.

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