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Closed-loop Neuro-robotic Experiments to Test Computational Properties of Neuronal Networks

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Reductionism in Engram Neuroscience.

Caitlin Mace¹, Fionn O'Sullivan², Scott R Wilson³

¹University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.

The European Journal of Neuroscience

|April 21, 2026

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Methodological reductionism is vital for memory research, but insufficient alone. Integrative pluralism and viewing engrams as adaptable motifs are key for understanding memory.

Keywords:

explanation memory engrams methodology reductionism

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Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Cognitive Science
Memory Research

Background:

Engrams are hypothetical constructs crucial for explaining memory.
Reductionist methods have accelerated engram research.
Current approaches risk being data-rich but understanding-poor.

Purpose of the Study:

To evaluate the sufficiency of reductionist methods in memory neuroscience.
To propose a framework for a complete explanation of memory phenomena.
To redefine the conceptualization of engrams.

Main Methods:

Defending methodological reductionism as a research strategy.
Advocating for integrative pluralism in theoretical frameworks.
Conceptual analysis of engram properties.

Main Results:

Methodological reductionism alone is insufficient for explaining memory.
Integrative pluralism facilitates the discovery and theorizing of engrams.
Engrams should be conceptualized as multiply-realizable causal motifs, not static entities.

Conclusions:

A complete explanation of memory requires both methodological reductionism and explanatory integrative pluralism.
Rethinking engrams as adaptable motifs is essential for advancing memory neuroscience.
These conceptual tools enhance the neuroscientist's toolkit for memory research.