ConceptGraphFeatures

Key Features of the Brain's Graph

In AI, knowledge graphs have been around for decades, but the graph in your brain adds powerful features. First, most relationships can be followed in either direction. If Fido is a dog, that also means that set of dogs includes Fido. Second, knowledge is inherited. Fido doesn't need a separate entry for breathing or walking on four legs. These properties come built in from dog and animal above it because Fido is a dog and dog is an animal. But has relationships are also inheritable. If your arms have elbows and you have arms, you also have elbows. And third, the graph makes room for exceptions. If most birds fly, the ostrich still counts as a bird, even though it doesn't. Reverse links, inheritance and exceptions, these give the brain the flexibility it needs for common sense.

• Source: 2025-10-02 How you search your brain!