Neuroscience and everyday life: Facing the translation problem.

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Philosophy of Mind
• Neuroethics

Background:

• Translating neuroscientific findings into practical applications is challenging due to discrepancies between scientific terminology and everyday concepts.
• Concepts like 'lying' differ significantly between scientific study (e.g., for lie detection) and legal or common-sense understanding.
• The mapping of cognitive concepts onto brain activity is often indirect and unsystematic, hindering straightforward application of research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address the 'translation problem' in neuroscience, which impedes the application of scientific insights to daily life.
• To explore and propose strategies for neuroscience to bridge the gap between scientific concepts and common-sense understanding.
• To guide neuroscientific research practices for more effective contributions to practical concerns like legal responsibility and addiction.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis of neuroscientific and common-sense concepts.
• Review of existing challenges in applying neuroscience to practical domains.
• Proposal of three distinct strategies to overcome the 'translation problem'.

Main Results:

• Identified the 'translation problem' as a key obstacle for neuroscience's societal impact.
• Proposed three strategies: developing 'folk-neuroscience' concepts, refining scientific concepts to align with common sense, and altering application criteria for concepts like responsibility.
• Highlighted the potential of these strategies to enhance neuroscience's practical relevance.

Conclusions:

• Neuroscience can overcome the 'translation problem' by developing new concepts, refining existing ones, and adjusting application criteria.
• These strategies are crucial for enabling neuroscience to effectively inform everyday life and practical decision-making.
• Guiding research practices with these strategies will maximize neuroscience's contribution to society.