University of Wollongong
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Neural representations not needed - no more pleas, please

journal contribution
posted on 2024-11-16, 06:46 authored by Daniel HuttoDaniel Hutto, Erik Myin
Colombo (Phenomenology and the Cognitive Sciences, 2012) argues that we have compelling reasons to posit neural representations because doing so yields unique explanatory purchase in central cases of social norm compliance. We aim to show that there is no positive substance to Colombo’s plea—nothing that ought to move us to endorse representationalism in this domain, on any level. We point out that exposing the vices of the phenomenological arguments against representationalism does not, on its own, advance the case for representationalism one inch—beyond establishing its mere possibility. We criticize the continual confounding of constitutive and explanatory claims and the lack of recognition of a Hard Problem of having to provide a naturalistic account of content, coupled with an inability to face up to it. We point at the inadequacy of various deflationary moves that end up driving representationalists towards the idea of neural representations with non-standard contents or without content altogether, both of which either render neural representationalism unfit for purpose or vacuous. Referring to possibilities for neural manipulation and control, or to established scientific practice does not help representationalism either.

Funding

Embodied Virtues and Expertise

Australian Research Council

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History

Citation

Hutto, D. D. & Myin, E. (2014). Neural representations not needed - no more pleas, please. Phenomenology and the Cognitive Sciences, 13 (2), 241-256.

Journal title

Phenomenology and the Cognitive Sciences

Volume

13

Issue

2

Pagination

241-256

Language

English

RIS ID

81087

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