Hebb Law

Hebb’s law is a fundamental theory about the functions of neural networks and neurons in the brain. In this article, I will explain what Hebb’s law is, how it works and its importance in neurology.

Hebb’s law is a theory developed by Canadian psychologist and neurologist Donald Hebb in 1949. According to this theory, neurons in the brain work in synchronization with each other to form connections that make learning possible. According to Hebb’s law, “when one neuron fires another neuron, the connection between the two is strengthened.” This allows neurons in the brain to interact with each other, enabling learning and memory formation.

The working principle of Hebb’s law is based on a process called “synchronous firing”. Synchronous firing means that when one neuron fires another, this connection is strengthened and repeated more often. This, in turn, strengthens the connections between neurons in the brain and subsequently leads to memory formation.

Hebb’s Law in Neurology

Hebb’s law is of great importance in neurology. In particular, it has helped to develop many ideas and theories about how learning and memory formation occur. Hebb’s law also plays an important role in neuroplasticity and the remodeling of neural networks.

Hebb’s law also has important applications in the field of neural networks and artificial intelligence. Neural networks can develop learning algorithms using Hebb’s law. This helps to improve the learning and memory formation capabilities of artificial intelligence systems.

In conclusion, Hebb’s law is a fundamental theory about neural networks and the work of neurons in the brain. According to this theory, neurons in the brain work in synchronization with each other to form connections that make learning possible. Hebb’s law has many applications in neurology and artificial intelligence and provides insight into how learning and memory formation takes place.

Reinforcing Memories

Hebb’s proposal had a strong influence on neuropsychology, becoming the core of many approaches developed in the following decades, and remains a very important reference in the field today.

In the early 70s, a very relevant mechanism for learning was discovered: Long-term strengthening, which consists in the consolidation of memories through repeated experience. Therefore, short-term memory is based on structural changes (changes in gene expression, protein synthesis and synapses).

The validity of this model supported Hebb’s basic thesis, identifying concrete biological foundations that explain the law. Today, we know for certain that long-term potentiation is limited only to neurons that are active at the same time, and that they become even stronger when several synapses in the same neuron come together.