Philosophy of Neuroscience

The Element explicates key philosophical concepts related to neuroscience and applies them to accessible examples of neuroscience findings.

William Bechtel (Author), Linus Ta-Lun Huang (Author)

9781108931502, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 3 March 2022

75 pages
22.8 x 15.1 x 0.6 cm, 0.16 kg

This Element provides a comprehensive introduction to philosophy of neuroscience. It covers such topics as how neuroscientists procure knowledge, including not just research techniques but the use of various model organisms. It presents examples of knowledge acquired in neuroscience that are then employed to discuss more philosophical topics such as the nature of explanations developed in neuroscience, the different conception of levels employed in discussions of neuroscience, and the invocation of representations in neuroscience explanations. The text emphasizes the importance of brain processes beyond those in the neocortex and then explores what makes processing in neocortex different. It consider the view that the nervous system consists of control mechanisms and considers arguments for hierarchical vs. heterarchical organization of control mechanisms. It concludes by considering implications of findings in neuroscience for how humans conceive of themselves and practices such as embracing norms.

1. Introduction: What is Philosophy of Neuroscience?
2. What are neurons and neural processes?
3. How do neuroscientists learn about the nervous system?
4. From whom do neuroscientists learn about the nervous system?
5. What has neuroscience learned?
6. How do neuroscientists explain activities of the nervous system?
7. What are levels in neuroscience and are they reducible?
8. Do neural processes represent anything?
9. What is distinctive about neocortex?
10. How is the whole nervous system organized?
11. What does neuroscience teach us about who we are?

Subject Areas: Neurosciences [PSAN], Philosophy of science [PDA], Philosophy of mind [HPM], Philosophy [HP]