Neural Machines: A Defense of Non-Representationalism in Cognitive Neuroscience

Matej Kohar's book explores how the new mechanistic account of explanation can support a non-representationalist view of explanations in cognitive neuroscience, offering new conceptual tools to non-representationalists. He argues that representational content is not constitutively relevant to cognitive phenomena and addresses objections against his argument.

Format: Hardback
Length: 198 pages
Publication date: 10 March 2023
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

In his groundbreaking book, Matej Kohar delves into the realm of cognitive neuroscience, presenting a novel mechanistic account of explanation that supports a non-representationalist perspective. By emphasizing the explanatory relevance of representational content within constitutive mechanistic explanations, Kohar offers a fresh set of conceptual tools to the non-representationalist arsenal.

Kohar's central focus lies in examining the explanatory significance of representational content within the context of constitutive mechanistic explanations, which are prevalent in cognitive neuroscience. He argues that any viable analysis of representational contents necessitates the conclusion that such content is not constitutively relevant to cognitive phenomena. This assertion challenges the traditional view of representationalism, which posits that mental representations play a central role in explaining cognitive processes.

To address objections against his argument, Kohar provides a comprehensive examination of various counterarguments and concludes with a thoughtful exploration of the implications of his account for both traditional cognitive neuroscience and non-representationalist alternatives. This book appeals to a wide range of readers, including philosophers of mind, cognitive scientists, and neuroscientists, as it offers a thought-provoking exploration of the complex relationship between explanation, representation, and the mind-brain problem.

Through his meticulous research and insightful analysis, Kohar has made a significant contribution to the ongoing debate between representationalism and non-representationalism in cognitive neuroscience. His book provides a valuable framework for understanding the explanatory power of mechanistic explanations and sheds light on the potential for non-representationalist approaches to understanding the brain's mechanisms of cognition.

Weight: 483g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031267451
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023