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Related Experiment Videos

Simplicity: a unifying principle in cognitive science?

Nick Chater1, Paul Vitányi

  • 1Institute for Applied Cognitive Science, Department of Psychology, University of Warwick, CV4 7AL, Coventry, UK

Trends in Cognitive Sciences
|January 9, 2003
PubMed
Summary

Cognitive systems select sensible patterns by favoring simplicity. This principle guides perception, learning, and high-level cognition, supported by mathematical, computational, and empirical evidence.

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Area of Science:

  • Cognitive Science
  • Philosophy of Science
  • Machine Learning

Background:

  • Human cognition involves pattern recognition in perception and learning.
  • Infinite patterns fit finite data, posing a challenge for selecting 'sensible' ones.
  • A philosophical and scientific tradition suggests simplicity as a selection criterion.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review research on the role of simplicity in cognitive processes.
  • To explore how cognitive systems choose 'sensible' patterns from data.
  • To present a unified viewpoint on simplicity as a driver of cognition.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature in epistemology, philosophy of science, and learning theories.
  • Examination of mathematical theories and computational models of simplicity.

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  • Synthesis of empirical data supporting the simplicity principle.

    • Main Results:

    • Simplicity is a fundamental principle guiding pattern selection in cognition.
    • Mathematical and computational frameworks support the role of simplicity.
    • Empirical evidence across various cognitive domains aligns with the simplicity hypothesis.

    Conclusions:

    • The cognitive system's preference for simple explanations is a key mechanism.
    • Simplicity drives perception, learning, and higher-level cognitive functions.
    • This principle offers a parsimonious explanation for complex cognitive behaviors.