Gerald Edelman has been a champion for the idea that neural networks provide a diverse collection of neuronal groups upon which selection can act. While there is a certain amount of truth in this kind of thinking, it is clear that selectionism can not entirely explain everything that is of interest in brain functions such as learning and memory.

Go here to see some comments I have previously made about the relationship between selectionistic and constructionistic (or, the term I used, instructionistic) brain mechanisms.

Take a look at this for a fine analysis of constructionism with contrasts against selectionism.

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