A genetic algorithm as the learning procedure for neural networks

A way in which a neural network can implement a genetic algorithm as its learning algorithm is shown. This model is called GLANN (genetic learning algorithm for neural networks). The components of GLANN can be shown to be biologically plausible. The algorithm itself can be classified as a reinforcement learning algorithm. The neural network has a fixed architecture and processes binary strings using genetic operators. Learning is stored in the form of newly created patterns, which can then be stored in some kind of associative memory. The benefits of GLANN reside in the proven optimizing capabilities of genetic algorithms, and in its parallel implementation. The shallow two-level architecture translates into system scalability, an issue that has not been successfully resolved in the case of other neural network algorithms.