Marr's ghost

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Computational Neuroscience
• Philosophy of Mind

Background:

• David Marr's tri-level analysis has dominated cognitive neuroscience for 40 years.
• This framework assumes cognitive goals are a priori, neural processes implement algorithms, and substrates are interchangeable.
• These assumptions are increasingly challenged by evidence from diverse biological systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically re-evaluate the limitations of Marr's tri-level framework in cognitive neuroscience.
• To propose a new perspective on adaptive behavior that integrates physical dynamics, morphology, and information.
• To reframe the central question in neuroscience from algorithmic implementation to the generation of behavior by living systems.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of anomalies within the current computational framework.
• Examination of evidence from non-traditional neural and bioelectric systems (e.g., slime molds, planarian flatworms).
• Application of Tinbergen's four questions to highlight neglected explanatory levels (developmental, evolutionary).

Main Results:

• Marr's framework's core assumptions are demonstrably false in light of new biological evidence.
• The framework has incorporated anomalies via terminological expansion, hindering falsifiability.
• Developmental and evolutionary explanations have been marginalized within the current paradigm.

Conclusions:

• The current framework is insufficient for explaining adaptive behavior across diverse biological systems.
• Adaptive behavior emerges from non-algorithmic physical dynamics, not solely from implemented algorithms.
• Future research should focus on how embodied, evolved physical systems generate behavior, integrating dynamics, morphology, and information.