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Physical causality and brain theories

F E Yates

    The American Journal of Physiology
    |May 1, 1980
    PubMed
    Summary
    This summary is machine-generated.

    This study reviews determinism in physics, finding four levels. It proposes statistical thermodynamics and nonlinear mechanics, not quantum mechanics, for brain theories.

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    Area of Science:

    • Physics
    • Neuroscience
    • Theoretical Physics

    Background:

    • The history of deterministic theories in physics is reviewed.
    • Four levels of determinism are identified: absolute, asymptotic, probabilistic, and absolute indeterminism.
    • Macroscopic measurement noise may indicate innately noisy dynamical laws, distinct from quantum mechanical effects.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To explore physical theories applicable to understanding brains.
    • To evaluate the relevance of different physical concepts, including symmetry and broken symmetry, for a global theory of brains.
    • To establish a foundation for theoretical neuroscience grounded in physics.

    Main Methods:

    • Review of deterministic theories in physics.
    • Analysis of symmetry and broken symmetry as fundamental physical concepts.

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  • Exclusionary reasoning to determine the most suitable physical frameworks for brain theory.
  • Introduction of new statistical thermodynamic theories.

    • Main Results:

    • Identified four levels of determinism in physics.
    • Concluded that statistical thermodynamics combined with nonlinear mechanics is appropriate for physical theories of brains.
    • Determined that quantum mechanics is not relevant for this theoretical framework.
    • Presented new statistical thermodynamic theories, noting their strengths and weaknesses.

    Conclusions:

    • Physical concepts, particularly statistical thermodynamics and nonlinear mechanics, provide a robust framework for theorizing about brains.
    • Symmetry and broken symmetry offer insights into universal lawfulness and hierarchy.
    • Neuroscience can benefit significantly from adopting physical theories, with specific research objectives outlined.