Lunchtime Talk – Joe McCaffrey - Functional Localization in Flux

Joseph McCaffrey (University of Pittsburgh, University of Nebraska, Omaha)

The Center for Philosophy of Science at the University of Pittsburgh invites you to join us for our Lunch Time Talk. Attend in person at 1117 Cathedral of Learning or visit our live stream on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrRp47ZMXD7NXO3a9Gyh2sg.

Lunch Time Talk - Joseph McCaffrey

Friday, November 7th @ 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm EST

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 specialization, localization 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