September 2018 Lunchtime Abstracts & Details

Credit for Scientific Discovery
Nicholas Rescher
University of Pittsburgh, Dept. of Philosophy
Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2018
12:05 pm, 1117 CL

Abstract: A variety of theoretical and practical obstacles arise with respect to the issue of credit for scientific discovery. The talk will consider some of the main issues that emerge here and will make some suggestions as to what should be done about them.

Virtual Morris Water Maze: Independent Life of Experimental Systems
Nina Atanasova, Visiting Fellow
University of Toldeo
Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018
12:05 pm, 1117 CL

Abstract: This paper argues that Kuhnian views about scientific change are at best outdated if not outright wrong. With the advancements of increasingly sophisticated technologies, theoretical science often catches up rather than leads experimental science. Observation has been replaced by simulation which often produces surprising results that need to be interpreted post factum. Theory becomes necessary for data interpretation rather than data generation. Big data, collections of data produced for some purpose or other, are a resource for unintended and unpredictable insights. Philosophers concerned about the lack of common theoretical background of diverse scientific communities embedded within a given research area, assume the primacy of theory over experiment. However, experiments are often inspired by new technology. As such they are often exploratory rather than tools for theory testing. Thus, the theory-centered philosophy of science needs to be replaced with an experiment and technology-centered alternative.

Methodological and Ontological Principles of Cognitive Dysfunctions
Paola Hernandez-Chavez, Visiting Fellow
Centro Lombardo (Mexico)
Friday, Sept. 21, 2018
12:05 pm, 1117 CL

Abstract: This work aims to contribute to the identification of some sources of difficulties when we think about dysfunctions. I put forward six methodological and ontological principles biasing our ideas of how cognition is organized and what happens when something is broken.

(1) Modularity of Cognition. The idea that cognition is composed of specialized mechanisms, characterized by being hardwired, domain-specific, encapsulated, fast, automatic, etc.
(2) A logic of Subtraction. Once it is assumed that cognition is modular, a recurring tactic is counting back to track down partition of functions.
(3) Reverse Engineering. Components are disassembled to analyze how the parts work and contribute to the overall functioning. 
(4) Residual Normality. This is a common insight consisting in asserting that a dysfunction originates from a disruption or deviation from the standard norms, leaving untouched all the remaining elements of the system.
(5) Double Dissociation. This is a method employed for distinguishing related but separated cognitive processes; a useful tool when you want to assess the functional independence of cognitive processes. 
(6) The Force of Genes. A heavy weight is given to genetic factors, disregarding the fact that genes are multiply realizable. Genetic predispositions can be scarce, broadly or disruptively expressed.

As long as we are clear about where the problems come from and which are the guiding principles for thinking about dysfunctions, we can design better experimental protocols to understand human brain functioning.

...a closer look at the 'Neurofication' of Theology
Machiel Keestra, Visiting Fellow
University of Amsterdam
Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2018
12:05 pm, 1117 CL

Abstract: Almost a century after its explicit introduction, interdisciplinary research has an increasing impact in all segments of academia. An example of such increasing interdisciplinarity can be found in the currently very popular ‘neuro-turn’, the emergence of a number of neuro-disciplines - like neuro-anthropology, -economics, -linguistics, and -theology – which consist of the integration of the cognitive neurosciences with other disciplines. Yet although there may be consensus on interdisciplinarity’s relevance, there is no real agreement on how to characterize such developments, apart from some general notion of ‘integration or synthesis of different perspectives’. Indeed, although this notion perhaps suggests a rather simple process, such integration can apply to different elements of the research process, ranging from method borrowing to conceptual expansion or adjusted application of results, and even to a combination of those.
          By analyzing more closely what I’m calling the process of ‘neurofication’ of a number of disciplines, the aim of my project is to analyze the differences and commonalities with regard to these neurodisciplines. Moreover, my aim is also to discuss how this neurofication does inevitably imply that some questions and topics get foregrounded, while others risk to be left out completely. This will be illustrated in my talk with the example of neuro-theology, which will raise questions like: How can those topics, left out from theology upon its neurofication, still be taken on board? What challenges for cognitive neuroscience has theology to offer? What new questions for theology present themselves upon its integration with cognitive neuroscience? Finally, is synthesis a feasible aim at all, or does it obscure the losses inevitable in such neurofication?

Three Connected Problems in Theories of Cultural Evolution...
William Wimsatt, Senior Visiting Fellow
University of Chicago
Friday, Sept. 28, 2018
12:05 pm, 1117 CL
CANCELLED

Abstract: Traditional theories of population genetics (pace Sewall Wright) accepted panmixia, ignoring population structure. They have since incorporated it, increasing their applicability and power. For cultural evolution, moves to incorporate population structure have come only lately. But the nature of cultural inheritance and the resultant possibilities for cultural differentiation enormously expand the varieties and importance of population structure, including the impact of development, social organizations and institutions, and technology. Ignoring them seriously distorts processes of cultural evolution.