Introduction to the Theory of Neural Computation (Santa Fe Institute Studies in the Sciences of Complexity) [Hardcover]

John A. Hertz (Author), Richard G. Palmer (Author), Anders Krogh (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0201503956 | ISBN-13: 978-0201503951 | Publication Date: January 1991 | Edition: First Edition

Comprehensive introduction to the neural network models currently under intensive study for computational applications. It also provides coverage of neural network applications in a variety of problems of both theoretical and practical interest. DLC: 1. Neural computers.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

This book comprehensively discusses the neural network models from a statistical mechanics perspective. It starts with one of the most influential developments in the theory of neural networks: Hopfield's analysis of networks with symmetric connections using the spin system approach and using the notion of an energy function from physics. Introduction to the Theory of Neural Computation uses these powerful tools to analyze neural networks as associative memory stores and solvers of optimization problems. A detailed analysis of multi-layer networks and recurrent networks follow. The book ends with chapters on unsupervised learning and a formal treatment of the relationship between statistical mechanics and neural networks. Little information is provided about applications and implementations, and the treatment of the material reflects the background of the authors as physicists. However the book is essential for a solid understanding of the computational potential of neural networks. Introduction to the Theory of Neural Computation assumes that the reader is familiar with undergraduate level mathematics, but does not have any background in physics. All of the necessary tools are introduced in the book. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 327 pages
• Publisher: Addison Wesley Publishing Company; First Edition edition (January 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0201503956
• ISBN-13: 978-0201503951
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 7 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,714,015 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Introduction to the Theory of Neural Computation, October 5, 2000

By 

Diana Thomas (Montclair, NJ) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Introduction To The Theory Of Neural Computation, Volume I (Santa Fe Institute Series) (Paperback)

This book is written from a mathematical perspective. The book introduces the Hopfield Neural Network with history and applications. The authors solve the network problem and develop the Hebb Rule. Links are made to Ising Spin models and stochastic problems. I find this book to be one of the best written mathematical guides for Neural Networks.

15 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Broad Survey, November 7, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Introduction To The Theory Of Neural Computation, Volume I (Santa Fe Institute Series) (Paperback)

This was a good survey, and well-grounded mathematically. It is kind of scattershot, and if you primarily want to do practical projects like predicting financial markets, a lot of the sections won't be relevant. But if you want a broad-based approach, emphasizing a variety of network designs fro different purposes, this book is very good.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Clear and logical exposition, August 18, 2007

By 

Barry J. Wythoff "Barry loves books" (Newburyport, MA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Introduction To The Theory Of Neural Computation, Volume I (Santa Fe Institute Series) (Paperback)

It's not the latest book on this topic, so today, there are other texts that have more recent developments to be sure. I originally read this text about 15 years ago. But what I got from this book, that I didn't get from most, are important insights and clear understanding of the material that's covered. The authors have a deep understanding, and have teaching as their goal in writing. Most other texts in this area are lacking in one or both of those characteristics, and aren't worth the paper they are printed on.