MATHEMATICS OF HEBBIAN ATTRACTORS

The concept of an attractor in a mathematical dynamical system is revi ewed. Emphasis is placed on the distinction between a cell assembly, t he corresponding attractor, and the attractor dynamics. The biological significance of these entities is discussed, especially the question of whether the representation of the stimulus requires the full attrac tor dynamics, or merely the cell assembly as a set of reverberating ne urons. Comparison is made to Freeman's study of dynamics patterns in o lfaction.