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What Should Cognitive Science Look Like? Neither a Tree Nor Physics.
1Learning Research and Development Center, University of Pittsburgh.
Topics in Cognitive Science
|October 9, 2019
Summary
This study critiques the premature declaration of the end of cognitive science. It argues that the field's diversity and departmental structures reflect strategic adaptation, not a lack of progress.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Science
- Interdisciplinary Studies
- Philosophy of Science
Background:
- Núñez et al. (2019) prematurely declared the end of cognitive science.
- Existing analyses of cognitive science's structure may misinterpret its disciplinary characteristics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically evaluate the arguments for the "end of cognitive science."
- To analyze the methodological and conceptual underpinnings of cognitive science research.
- To reframe the understanding of cognitive science's disciplinary structure and progress.
Main Methods:
- Critique of hierarchical cluster analysis applied to journal citation data.
- Conceptual analysis of applying Lakatos' research programs framework to cognitive science.
- Examination of departmental structures within cognitive science.
Main Results:
- Hierarchical cluster analysis of citation data presents problematic analytic features.
- Lakatos' research programs framework may be inappropriately applied to cognitive science.
- The diverse structure of cognitive science departments signifies rational adaptation, not disciplinary stagnation.
Conclusions:
- The argument for the "end of cognitive science" is premature and based on flawed analysis.
- Cognitive science's interdisciplinary nature and structural diversity are strengths, reflecting strategic adaptation.
- A more nuanced understanding of cognitive science's progress and structure is required.
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