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Knowledge and the brain: Why the knowledge-centric theory of mind program needs neuroscience
1Department of Philosophy, Cologne Center for Contemporary Epistemology and the Kantian Tradition (CONCEPT), Universität zu Köln, Albertus-Magnus-Platz, 50923Köln, Germany. adam.michael.bricker@gmail.com; https://sites.google.com/view/adam-michael-bricker.
The Behavioral and Brain Sciences
|November 19, 2021
Summary
Neurocognitive approaches enhance the knowledge-centric theory of mind by using fMRI and EEG. These methods reveal knowledge attribution is more fundamental than belief attribution in cognitive processes.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Philosophy of Mind
Background:
- The knowledge-centric theory of mind (TOM) proposes a framework for understanding mental states.
- Integrating neurocognitive methods can deepen our understanding of TOM mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the benefits of a neurocognitive approach for the knowledge-centric TOM research program.
- To investigate the underlying neural mechanisms of knowledge attribution.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing advanced neuroimaging techniques such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).
- Employing electroencephalography (EEG) to capture temporal dynamics of cognitive processes.
Main Results:
- Neurocognitive methods provide significant insights into how knowledge is attributed.
- Evidence suggests that knowledge attribution is a more foundational cognitive process than belief attribution.
Conclusions:
- A neurocognitive approach significantly advances the knowledge-centric theory of mind.
- Findings support the primacy of knowledge attribution over belief attribution in cognitive architecture.
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