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Perspectives on Neuroscience

Perspectives on Neuroscience

Published on: July 31, 2007

Why cognitive science needs philosophy and vice versa.

¹Department of Philosophy, University of Waterloo.

Topics in Cognitive Science

|August 29, 2014

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Philosophy is essential for cognitive science, addressing general and normative questions. Empirically informed philosophical reflection drives progress in understanding cognition.

Keywords:

Bayesian inference Cognitive science Computer simulation Decision making Explanations Generality Normativity Philosophy Theories

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Area of Science:

Cognitive Science
Philosophy of Mind

Background:

Commonly, philosophy is viewed as separate from cognitive science.
This perspective overlooks philosophy's contributions to the field.

Purpose of the Study:

To argue for the crucial role of philosophy in cognitive science.
To highlight philosophy's importance in addressing generality and normativity.

Main Methods:

Philosophical reflection on general questions (e.g., theory nature, computer simulation).
Philosophical reflection on normative questions (e.g., Bayesian thinking, utility maximization).
Emphasis on empirically informed reflection using cognitive science findings.

Main Results:

Philosophy addresses fundamental questions about cognitive theories and explanations.
Philosophy guides normative aspects of cognitive science, such as ideal decision-making models.
Empirically grounded philosophical analysis is more effective than a priori reasoning.

Conclusions:

Philosophy is integral to cognitive science progress, not extraneous.
Integrating philosophical insights enhances the rigor and scope of cognitive science.
Future cognitive science research should embrace empirically informed philosophical inquiry.