Thoughts on Architecture

TL;DR

This paper explores the evolution of the concept of architecture across buildings, computers, and minds, proposing a unified definition and examining key issues in cognitive architectures.

Contribution

It introduces a comprehensive definition of architecture that encompasses its historical development and applies it to cognitive architectures, offering new insights.

Findings

Identifies relevant distinctions in architectural evolution

Proposes a unified definition of architecture across domains

Reexamines key issues in cognitive architectures

Abstract

The term architecture has evolved considerably from its original Greek roots and its application to buildings and computers to its more recent manifestation for minds. This article considers lessons from this history, in terms of a set of relevant distinctions introduced at each of these stages and a definition of architecture that spans all three, and a reconsideration of three key issues from cognitive architectures for architectures in general and cognitive architectures more particularly.