title: Solving difficult problems creatively: a role for energy optimised deterministic/stochastic hybrid computing.
abstract: How is the brain configured for creativity? What is the computational substrate for 'eureka' moments of insight? Here we argue that creative thinking arises ultimately from a synergy between low-energy stochastic and energy-intensive deterministic processing, and is a by-product of a nervous system whose signal-processing capability per unit of available energy has become highly energy optimised. We suggest that the stochastic component has its origin in thermal (ultimately quantum decoherent) noise affecting the activity of neurons. Without this component, deterministic computational models of the brain are incomplete.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physics, University of Oxford Oxford, UK.
authors.forename: Tim N
authors.initials: TN
authors.lastname: Palmer
authors.affiliation: Centre for Computational Neuroscience and Robotics, University of Sussex Brighton, UK.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: O'Shea
keywords: creative thinking; deterministic and stochastic simulations; energy-optimised computing; inexact computing; slender axons