Philosophy of Neuroscience
Philosophy of Neuroscience
Linus Ta-Lun Huang, The University of Hong Kong
£17.00
GBPThis Element provides a comprehensive introduction to philosophy of neuroscience. It covers such topics as how neuroscientists procure knowledge, including not just research techniques but the use of various model organisms. It presents examples of knowledge acquired in neuroscience that are then employed to discuss more philosophical topics such as the nature of explanations developed in neuroscience, the different conception of levels employed in discussions of neuroscience, and the invocation of representations in neuroscience explanations. The text emphasizes the importance of brain processes beyond those in the neocortex and then explores what makes processing in neocortex different. It consider the view that the nervous system consists of control mechanisms and considers arguments for hierarchical vs. heterarchical organization of control mechanisms. It concludes by considering implications of findings in neuroscience for how humans conceive of themselves and practices such as embracing norms.
Reviews & endorsements
'Both William Bechtel and Linus Ta-Lun Huang are esteemed experts in their respective fields and there is much to learn from them. Those interested in furthering their understanding of how neuroscientists understand their work and its limitations will have found themselves a valuable source of insight.' Matthew Perkins-McVey, History and Philosophy of the Life Sciences
Product details
March 2022Paperback
9781108931502
75 pages
228 × 151 × 6 mm
0.16kg
Available
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction: What is Philosophy of Neuroscience?
- 2. What are neurons and neural processes?
- 3. How do neuroscientists learn about the nervous system?
- 4. From whom do neuroscientists learn about the nervous system?
- 5. What has neuroscience learned?
- 6. How do neuroscientists explain activities of the nervous system?
- 7. What are levels in neuroscience and are they reducible?
- 8. Do neural processes represent anything?
- 9. What is distinctive about neocortex?
- 10. How is the whole nervous system organized?
- 11. What does neuroscience teach us about who we are?
