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From the "coding metaphor" to a theory of representation
Jonathan Birch1, Joulia Smortchkova2
1Department of Philosophy, Logic and Scientific Method, London School of Economics and Political Science, LondonWC2A 2AE, United Kingdom. j.birch2@lse.ac.ukhttp://personal.lse.ac.uk/birchj1.
The Behavioral and Brain Sciences
|November 29, 2019
Summary
Neuroscience research faces a conceptual issue where "coding" is used loosely, blurring representation and detection. Explicit conditions for neural representation are proposed to clarify this distinction in scientific discourse.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Philosophy of Mind
Background:
- Contemporary neuroscience often uses the term "coding" loosely.
- This can lead to conflating neural representation with mere property detection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address the conceptual problem of imprecise language in neuroscience.
- To propose a framework for understanding neural representation more rigorously.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis of the term "coding" in neuroscience.
- Distinguishing between representation and detection of properties.
- Reviewing philosophical literature on neural representation.
Main Results:
- Identified a conceptual ambiguity in the use of "coding" in neuroscience.
- Proposed that explicit, demanding conditions are necessary for neural representation.
- Highlighted existing philosophical theories that align with this rigorous approach.
Conclusions:
- Clearer, more precise language is needed in neuroscience regarding representation.
- Adopting explicit conditions for neural representation will enhance theoretical clarity.
- Philosophical frameworks offer valuable insights for refining neuroscience concepts.
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