David Barack - Neural Doctrines

David Barack

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.

LTT:  David Barack

Tuesday, November 11th  @ 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm EST

Title: Neural Doctrines

Abstract: 

The Neuron Doctrine has long guided neuroscientific research into the brain’s functioning, both cognitive and otherwise. The Neuron Doctrine suggests that single neurons functionally contribute to cognition. However, there are decades of findings about the brain basis of cognition that involve more than a single neuron or do not involve neurons at all. While neural phenomena associated with cognition span a wide range of spatiotemporal scales and types of entities, including neurons, populations, glia, synapses, ion flows and much more, the Neuron Doctrine has proved resilient. This is in part because the doctrine proves to be surprisingly adaptable. In this talk, I state the Neuron Doctrine for cognition, clarify the sense in which neurons functionally contribute to cognition, illustrate sufficient conditions for some evidence to count against the doctrine, and explain the doctrine’s resilience and adaptability.

This talk will be available online:

Zoom:  https://pitt.zoom.us/j/98752433663

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrRp47ZMXD7NXO3a9Gyh2sg