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Published on: August 24, 2013
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Levels of biological plausibility
1University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
Summary
Neuroscience should adopt a pragmatic "level of mechanism" approach, focusing on testable models rather than metaphysical debates on reduction or emergence. This strategy clarifies research goals and guides empirical studies for scientific progress.
Area of Science:
- * Neuroscience
- * Philosophy of Science
- * Cognitive Science
Background:
- * Current neuroscience research is often entangled with concepts of reductionism and emergence.
- * These concepts, particularly metaphysical claims of emergence, can complicate physicalism and theoretical development.
- * The practical utility of higher-level concepts underpins neuroscience as a discipline.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To propose a "level of mechanism" framework for neuroscience.
- * To critique the utility of reductionist and emergentist viewpoints in the field.
- * To advocate for pragmatic, model-based approaches over metaphysical claims.
Main Methods:
- * Conceptual analysis of levels of analysis, mechanism, reduction, and emergence.
- * Critique of existing theoretical frameworks in neuroscience.
- * Proposal of a pragmatic, model-selection-oriented approach.
Main Results:
- * A "level of mechanism" approach allows for hierarchical decomposition of components within a mechanism.
- * Metaphysical claims of reduction and emergence are deemed problematic for neuroscience.
- * Biological plausibility claims are often incoherent; specific findings and model selection are more productive.
Conclusions:
- * Focusing on pragmatic concerns and testable models, rather than metaphysical debates, best serves scientific goals.
- * Model selection procedures can resolve theoretical confusion and direct empirical research.
- * Understanding the relationships between various measures (e.g., behavior, BOLD, single-unit recordings) is crucial for scientific advancement.
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