Integrating cognitive (neuro)science using mechanisms

• Authors: Marcin Miłkowski
• Languages of publication: EN

Abstracts

EN

In this paper, an account of theoretical integration in cognitive (neuro)science from the mechanistic perspective is defended. It is argued that mechanistic patterns of integration can be better understood in terms of constraints on representations of mechanisms, not just on the space of possible mechanisms, as previous accounts of integration had it. This way, integration can be analyzed in more detail with the help of constraint- satisfaction account of coherence between scientific represen-tations. In particular, the account has resources to talk of idealizations and research heuristics employed by researchers to combine separate results and theoretical frameworks. The account is subsequently applied to an example of successful integration in the research on hippocampus and memory, and to a failure of integration in the research on mirror neurons as purportedly explanatory of sexual orientation.

Keywords

EN

theoretical integration; mechanistic explanation; LTP; interfield theories; constraint-satisfaction.

• Publisher: Ośrodek Badań Filozoficznych - Centre for Philosophical Research
• Journal: Avant
• Year: 2016
• Volume: 7
• Issue: 2

Dates

published

2016

online

2018-10-20

Contributors

author

Marcin Miłkowski