Eduardo R. Caianiello

Eduardo R. Caianiello
Born(1921-06-25)June 25, 1921
Naples
DiedOctober 22, 1993(1993-10-22) (aged 72)
Naples
NationalityItalian
Alma materUniversity of Rochester
Scientific career
FieldsTheoretical physics
Doctoral advisorRobert Marshak
Notable studentsFrancesco Guerra

Eduardo Renato Caianiello (June 25, 1921 – October 22, 1993) was an Italian physicist. He contributed to scientific research, especially in quantum theory and cybernetics. He was also a pioneer in the theory of neural networks. His Caianiello's equation formalized the theory of Hebbian learning.[1]

Caianello founded and directed the Institute of Theoretical Physics of the University of Naples; the Laboratory of Cybernetics of the Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche at Arco Felice (Naples), the Faculty of Mathematical, Physical and Natural Sciences of the University of Salerno, the International Institute for Senior Scientific Studies (IIASS) at Vietri sul Mare (Salerno) and the School of Specialization in Cyber and Physical Sciences.

The name of the Hafnian was coined by Cainaniello "to mark the fruitful period of stay in Copenhagen (Hafnia in Latin)."[2]

  1. ^ Caianiello, E. R. (1961). "Outline of a theory of thought-processes and thinking machines". Journal of Theoretical Biology. 1 (2): 204–235. doi:10.1016/0022-5193(61)90046-7. PMID 13689819. Reprinted in Brain Theory: Reprint Volume.
  2. ^ F. Guerra, in Imagination and Rigor: Essays on Eduardo R. Caianiello's Scientific Heritage, edited by Settimo Termini, Springer Science & Business Media, 2006, page 98