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In this chapter, Ballard introduces the idea of the brain as a state machine, which is
handled by operators in order to select a specific trajectory along this space. Two
deterministic approaches to problem solving are briefly outlined:
Heuristic search and
Minimax.
While the first approach relies on in depth (which Ballard calls global) rating of
alternative paths, the second strategy, which is specific to two-persons games, seeks
to improve the chances of wining by analysing the set of next possible (local approach)
configurations in terms of the actions taken by the adversary. The heuristic
search strategy is discussed in terms the cannibals and missionaries problem
and the eight-puzzle,
and the Minimax method is briefly
illustrated in terms of Othello and
alpha and beta cutoffs.
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By considering that the world is too complex to be effectively dealt with by using these
two alternatives, Ballard motivates the probabilistic strategies to be discussed further on his book.
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