Brain-Like Stochastic Search: A Research Challenge and Funding Opportunity

Brain-Like Stochastic Search (BLiSS) refers to this task: given a family of utility functions U(u,A), where u is a vector of parameters or task descriptors, maximize or minimize U with respect to u, using networks (Option Nets) which input A and learn to generate good options u stochastically. This paper discusses why this is crucial to brain-like intelligence (an area funded by NSF) and to many applications, and discusses various possibilities for network design and training. The appendix discusses recent research, relations to work on stochastic optimization in operations research, and relations to engineering-based approaches to understanding neocortex.