Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 25, 2026

Perspectives on Neuroscience
Published on: July 31, 2007
The complex systems approach: rhetoric or revolution
1Department of Philosophy, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. celiasmith@uwaterloo.ca
Abstract:
The complex systems approach (CSA) to characterizing cognitive function is purported to underlie a conceptual and methodological revolution by its proponents. I examine one central claim from each of the contributed papers and argue that the provided examples do not justify calls for radical change in how we do cognitive science. Instead, I note how currently available approaches in ''standard'' cognitive science are adequate (or even more appropriate) for understanding the CSA provided examples.
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