Welcome to BeyondPhrenology, the podcast where we venture into the cutting edge—and often the fringe—of cognitive science, neuroscience, and philosophy of mind. Today, I am thrilled to welcome Dr. Michael Anderson, one of the most provocative thinkers in contemporary cognitive science. Dr. Anderson is a Professor of Philosophy and Neuroscience, celebrated for his groundbreaking work on embodied cognition, neural reuse, and the dynamic interplay between brain and environment.
Dr. Anderson challenges the longstanding computational and representational paradigms in neuroscience, urging us to rethink the brain as more than just a "biological computer." His book, After Phrenology: Neural Reuse and the Interactive Brain, has become a touchstone for scholars questioning the reductionist mapping of brain regions to cognitive functions. Beyond his academic contributions, Dr. Anderson is a compelling advocate for interdisciplinary dialogue, often weaving together insights from psychology, philosophy, artificial intelligence, and evolutionary biology to craft bold, integrative theories.
Today, we dive into some of the most contentious debates shaping modern neuroscience: the limits of representational thinking, the pitfalls of computer metaphors, and the ever-enigmatic Free Energy Principle. Prepare for a stimulating conversation that promises to unsettle conventional wisdom and spark new perspectives.
Also on Spotify: [ Ссылка ]
TIMELINE
00:00:00 – Prof. Anderson's journey: From academic roots to groundbreaking work in neural research and unconventional approaches to understanding the mind.
00:09:14 – Breaking it down: What is embodied cognition, and how does it reshape our understanding of brain-body interactions?
00:16:25 – Eastern vs. Western perspectives: Unpacking the contrasting mistakes and insights in how these traditions envision the brain-body relationship.
00:23:10 – The current state of neuroscience: Assessing where the field stands today and its challenges in advancing our understanding of the brain.
00:29:10 – Physics vs. Neuroscience: Exploring how these disciplines approach theory development differently.
00:34:25 – On Representations: Are they the holy grail of modern neuroscience or an outdated framework needing rethinking?
00:49:00 – Is the Computational Theory of Mind falsifiable? Examining its scientific validity and potential limitations.
00:59:45 – Are neural spikes the right unit of analysis? Exploring their significance in understanding brain function and cognition.
01:05:45 – The proper spatial and timescale for neuroscience: Determining the key dimensions for studying brain function effectively.
01:08:25 – Revisiting the ultimate goal of neuroscience: Exploring the pursuit of universal laws and principles governing brain function.
01:22:00 – On funding in neuroscience: Balancing theoretical exploration with practical exploitation in research priorities.
01:24:40 – Funding ideas: The importance of "having skin in the game" in neuroscience research and its implications for innovation.
01:32:18 – The Neural Reuse Hypothesis: Exploring its foundational principles and far-reaching implications for understanding brain function and plasticity.
01:42:55 – The role of blood ammonia in cognition: An intriguing personal anecdote highlighting its unexpected effects on brain function.
01:46:45 – When can we truly say we understand, predict, and perturb brain states? Defining the benchmarks for mastery in neuroscience.
01:51:00 – Why we need more philosophy in neuroscience training: Bridging the gap between empirical research and conceptual clarity.
01:53:20 – Do we need more innovative approaches to science reporting and communication? Exploring how to better engage the public and the scientific community.
02:05:45 – On polymathic professors: Discussing their decline in academia and the implications for interdisciplinary innovation.
02:08:55 – AI and neuroscience: Examining the precarious lessons and challenges at the intersection of artificial intelligence and brain science.
02:20:50 – The value of books and edited volumes: Reflecting on their enduring importance in shaping and disseminating knowledge.
Michael Anderson: [ Ссылка ]
Dr. Anderson's work:
Embodied cognition: A field guide: [ Ссылка ]00054-7
Eroding the boundaries of cognition: implications of embodiment: [ Ссылка ]
After Phrenology: Neural Reuse and the Interactive Brain: [ Ссылка ]
The Markov blanket trick: On the scope of the free energy principle and active inference: [ Ссылка ]
