Lunchtime Talk – Joe McCaffrey - Functional Localization in Flux
Joseph McCaffrey (University of Pittsburgh, University of Nebraska, Omaha)

November 7, 2025, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
The Center for Philosophy of Science, University of Pittsburgh

1117 Cathedral of Learning - 11th Floor
University of Pittsburgh, 4200 Fifth Avenue
Pittsburgh 15260
United States

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University of Pittsburgh

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Lunchtime Talk – Joe McCaffrey 

Title:  Functional Localization in Flux

Abstract:  Since the 19th Century, neuroscientists have fiercely debated the extent of functional localization in the human brain. But instead of being a passing phase, debates about functional localization are raging in contemporary cognitive neuroscience. Some consider functional localization a vital guiding paradigm for the science while others believe it has outlived its usefulness. To make matters worse, localizationists and anti-localizationists do not seem to agree on what a commitment to localization entails, or what counts as evidence against localization. In this talk, I present a conceptual analysis of functional localization that highlights three dimensions or tenets of localization: structural specializationlocalization of function, and intrinsicality. I then show how this analysis can be used to clarify and advance contemporary debates about functional localization in cognitive neuroscience.

This talk will be available online:

Zoom: https://pitt.zoom.us/j/99418139587
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrRp47ZMXD7NXO3a9Gyh2sg

Speaker Information: http://www.josephbmccaffrey.com/

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