A hierarchical information processing system is disclosed having a plurality of artificial neurons, comprised of binary logic gates, and interconnected through a second plurality of dynamic artificial synapses, intended to simulate or extend the function of a biological nervous system. The system is capable of approximation, autonomous learning and strengthening of formerly learned input patterns. The system learns by simulated Synaptic Time Dependent Plasticity, commonly abbreviated to STDP. Each artificial neuron consisting of a soma circuit and a plurality of synapse circuits, whereby the soma membrane potential, the soma threshold value, the synapse strength and the Post Synaptic Potential at each synapse are expressed as values in binary registers, which are dynamically determined from certain aspects of input pulse timing, previous strength value and output pulse feedback.