Neural simulation and social cognition

Authors

Shaun Gallagher, University of Central Florida

RIS ID

91428

Publication Details

Gallagher, S. (2009). Neural simulation and social cognition. In J. A. Pineda (Eds.), Mirror Neuron Systems: The Role of Mirroring Processes in Social Cognition (pp. 355-371). United States: Humana Press.

Link to publisher version (URL)

Biomedphys

Additional Publication Information

ISBN: 9781934115343

Abstract

This article reviews the claim that mirror neurons are simulating neurons and the basis of an implicit simulation theory in regard to how we understand other persons. I claim that the equation of mirror system activation with an implicit simulation is unjustified, and I offer an alternative interpretation of the scientific data. The alternative considers mirror system activation as underlying part of an enactive perception in the social context.