french@FARG.UMICH.EDU (Bob French) (03/17/87)
The Role of Categories in the Generation of Counterfactuals:
A Connectionist Interpretation
by Robert M. French and Mark Weaver
Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
Tel. (313) 763-5875
Keywords: counterfactuals, norm theory, connectionism, categories
Abstract
This paper proposes that a fairly standard connectionist category model
can provide a mechanism for the generation of counterfactuals --
non-veridical versions of perceived events or objects. A distinction is
made between evolved counterfactuals, which generate mental spaces (as
proposed by Fauconnier), and fleeting counterfactuals, which do not. This
paper explores only the latter in detail. A connection is made with the
recently proposed counterfactual theory of Kahneman and Miller;
specifically our model shares with theirs a fundamental rule of
counterfactual production based on normality. The relationship between
counterfactuals and the psychological constructs of ``schema with
correction'' and ``goodness'' is examined. A computer simulation in support
of our model is included.
The paper has been submitted to the Cognitive Science Society Conference 1987
to be held in Seattle, WA. in July.
Anyone interested in a copy of the paper, should get in touch with
Bob French as follows: french@farg.umich.edu