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Emergence of Cognition from Action.
György Buzsáki1, Adrien Peyrache2, John Kubie3
1The Neuroscience Institute, New York University, School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016 Center for Neural Science, New York University, School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016 gyorgy.buzsaki@nyumc.org.
Cold Spring Harbor Symposia on Quantitative Biology
|March 11, 2015
Summary
This study proposes a neuroscience-based model where cognition arises from internal brain models. These models allow "what if" simulations for decision-making, integrating external cues with internal representations.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Science
- Computational Neuroscience
Background:
- Early theories viewed brain function as simple reflex responses or behaviorist input-output mechanisms.
- The cognitive paradigm highlighted the role of internal processing, termed cognition, in explaining unpredictable behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a novel neuroscience-based model of cognition.
- To hypothesize that cognition relies on internal models of the environment and self.
- To explain how internal models facilitate predictive processing and decision-making.
Main Methods:
- Review and synthesis of existing experimental findings in neuroscience.
- Development of a theoretical model based on internal generative sequences.
- Analysis of how cell assemblies contribute to cognitive functions.
Main Results:
- Cognition is proposed to depend on internal models that simulate potential actions and outcomes.
- Internally generated sequences within these models enable "what if" scenario testing.
- Externally guided cell assembly sequences can be internalized to support cognitive processes.
Conclusions:
- The proposed model offers a neuroscience-driven explanation for cognitive functions.
- Internal models are crucial for anticipating consequences and guiding overt actions.
- The internalization of neural sequences is a key mechanism for cognitive development.
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