Biology uses generative systems. Genomes consist of an alphabet of four nucleotides, which, together with certain rules for how to produce proteins and organize cells, generates an unlimited variety ...

Theoretical physicists use machine-learning algorithms to speed up difficult calculations and eliminate untenable theories—but could they transform what it means to make discoveries? Theoretical ...

This is a preview. Log in through your library . Abstract This paper introduces a colloquium on the scope and form of a theory of second language learning. It argues for the value of a general theory, ...

If you've ever wondered why some people succeed at learning new skills and knowledge while others fail to grasp basic concepts, you may want to find out more about learning theory. Theories of ...

A new idea called the “information bottleneck” is helping to explain the puzzling success of today’s artificial-intelligence algorithms — and might also explain how human brains learn. Even as ...

This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American Noam Chomsky’s political views attract so ...