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Functional identification of constraints on feature creation
Phillipe G Schyns1, Robert L Goldstone, Jean-Pierre Thibaut
1Department of Psychology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QB, United Kingdom philippe@psy.gla.ac.uk www.psy.gla.ac.uk.
The Behavioral and Brain Sciences
|February 5, 2008
Summary
Functional theories require constrained feature creation for falsifiability. This study clarifies that deriving constraints from mechanisms involves distinct analytical levels, avoiding scope slip in computational systems analysis.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Science
- Computational Neuroscience
- Philosophy of Mind
Background:
- Dawson's comment proposes three points for falsifiable functional theories.
- It emphasizes constraining feature creation and mechanisms.
- Explanatory power is linked to underlying physical mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze Dawson's third point regarding deriving constraints from mechanisms.
- To differentiate between functional identification and physical implementation in computational systems.
- To address the issue of scope slip in theoretical analysis.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis of theoretical claims.
- Distinguishing between functional and physical levels of analysis.
- Argumentation based on principles of computational systems.
Main Results:
- Agreement with the necessity of constrained feature creation for falsifiability.
- Agreement that explanatory power stems from physical mechanisms.
- Identification of a confusion in Dawson's third point regarding scope slip.
Conclusions:
- Dawson's third point conflates functional identification with physical implementation.
- Avoiding scope slip requires recognizing these distinct analytical levels.
- The study refines the understanding of constraint derivation in functional theories.
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