Through the forest of motor representations

Area of Science:

• Philosophy of Mind
• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Action Theory

Background:

• The concept of a single motor representation (MR) mechanism has been proposed as the link between perception and action.
• MRs are considered the naturalized mental precursors to action, crucial for shaping behavior.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel, non-monolithic view of motor representations (MRs).
• To challenge the prevailing monolithic view of MRs in the literature.
• To offer a more comprehensive framework for understanding the mechanisms underlying action.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis of existing theories on motor representations.
• Philosophical argumentation to support a new theoretical framework.
• Comparison of the proposed ensemble view against the single-mechanism view.

Main Results:

• The study argues against a single, monolithic motor representation (MR) mechanism.
• It proposes that a diverse ensemble of sub-representational phenomena, each with distinct functions, constitutes the link between perception and action.
• This ensemble view provides a more nuanced understanding of action generation.

Conclusions:

• The received view of a single motor representation (MR) is insufficient.
• An ensemble of distinct sub-representational phenomena offers a more robust model for understanding action.
• This new perspective resolves existing theoretical issues and addresses gaps in the literature on MRs.