Cognitive Ontology: Taxonomic Practices in the Mind-Brain Sciences

The search for the furniture of the mind has gained momentum with the rise of new technologies to study the brain. Philosophers and scientists are concerned with how psychological functions relate to brain structures. Muhammad Ali Khalidi presents a naturalistic account of real kinds to validate taxonomic categories in the cognitive domain, arguing that cognitive kinds are often individuated relationally, while neural kinds are individuated intrinsically.

Format: Hardback
Length: 220 pages
Publication date: 05 January 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The quest for understanding the intricate workings of the human mind has gained significant momentum in the era of cutting-edge technologies that enable us to delve into the depths of the brain and unravel its fundamental structures and processes. Philosophers and scientists alike are deeply interested in exploring the intricate connections between psychological functions and the intricate architecture of the brain. At the same time, the taxonomic practices employed by cognitive scientists are coming under increasing scrutiny as researchers seek to determine which approaches accurately identify the true essence of cognition and which remnants of folk psychology persist.

In this context, Muhammad Ali Khalidi presents a compelling naturalistic account aimed at validating several central taxonomic categories within the cognitive domain. These categories include concepts, episodic memory, innateness, domain specificity, and cognitive bias. Khalidi argues that cognitive kinds, which he defines as the fundamental units of thought, are often individuated relationally, taking into account the environmental and etiological factors that shape the thinking subject. In contrast, neural kinds, which are the underlying neural substrates of cognition, tend to be individuated intrinsically, leading to crosscutting relationships between cognitive and neural categories.

Khalidi's naturalistic approach offers a valuable perspective on the study of cognition, as it seeks to bridge the gap between philosophy and neuroscience. By grounding cognitive concepts in the observable properties of the brain, he provides a framework for understanding how the mind works at a fundamental level. His work also raises important questions about the nature of consciousness, free will, and the relationship between the mind and the body.

As we continue to advance our knowledge of the brain and its functions, the search for a comprehensive understanding of the furniture of the mind will undoubtedly continue to be a central focus of research and inquiry. By exploring the interplay between psychological functions, brain structures, and taxonomic practices, we can gain a deeper appreciation of the complex and fascinating nature of human cognition and its potential applications in fields such as education, psychology, and medicine.

Weight: 592g
ISBN-13: 9781009223669