On Variable Binding in Connectionist Networks

This paper deals with the problem of variable binding in connectionist networks. Specifically, a more thorough solution to the variable binding problem based on the Discrete Neuron formalism is proposed and a number of issues arising in the solution are examined in relation to logic: consistency checking, binding generation, unification and functions. We analyze what is needed in order to resolve these issues and, based on this analysis, a procedure is developed for systematically setting up connectionist networks for variable binding based on logic rules. This solution compares favorably to similar solutions in simplicity and completeness.