Are Neural Mass Actions First-Order, Second-Order, or Epiphenomenal Events?
E. Propositions for a Theory of Neural Masses VI. Summary Notes References I. Introduction It is a truism that systems as complex as vertebrate nervous systems are more than the sum of their parts. What is meant is that the interconnection of numbers of neurons gives rise to collective properties belonging to the neural populations and not to the neurons taken one at a time. The purpose of this essay is to explore some facets of the nature of neural collective properties. Conventional wisdom holds that such properties emerge from the interconnection of finite numbers of neurons in discrete chains and networks, which are logical and anatomical counterparts of the Jacksonian-Sherringtonian heirarchy of reflex arcs. According to a popular analogy, neurons are like the electronic components of a television receiver which can be connected in a certain way or set of ways to give the properties of the receiver. The central thesis of this essay is the idea that, when neurons strongly interact
