Datteri, Edoardo (2016) The epistemic value of brain-machine systems for the study of the brain. [Preprint]

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Abstract

Bionic systems, connecting biological tissues with computer or robotic devices through brain-machine interfaces, can be used in different ways to discover biological mechanisms. Here I will outline the methodology followed in a wide class bionics-supported experiments for the study of the brain, which will be called the “stimulation-connection” methodology. By comparing it with other simulation-based, bionics-supported methodologies described in the literature, I will argue that the stimulation-connection methodology may assist one in discovering brain mechanisms. I will also argue that the stimulation-connection strategy differs from the “synthetic”, simulative method often followed in theoretically-driven Artificial Intelligence and cognitive (neuro)science, even though it involves machine models of biological components. In the second part of the article, I will bring the analysis of the stimulation-connection methodology to bear on some claims on the epistemic value of bionic technologies made in the recent philosophical literature. I believe that the methodological analysis proposed here may contribute to the piecewise understanding of the many ways bionic technologies can be deployed not only to restore lost sensory-motor functions, but also to discover brain mechanisms.

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Item Type:	Preprint
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Datteri, Edoardo edoardo.datteri@unimib.it
Additional Information:	Submitted. Still awaiting for reviewers' comments.
Keywords:	Prosthetic systems, Bionic systems, Methodology of Artificial Intelligence, Methodology of biorobotics, Philosophy of Cognitive Science
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Cognitive Science Specific Sciences > Artificial Intelligence General Issues > Experimentation Specific Sciences > Neuroscience General Issues > Technology
Depositing User:	Dr. Edoardo Datteri
Date Deposited:	11 Jun 2016 02:19
Last Modified:	11 Jun 2016 02:19
Item ID:	12180
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Cognitive Science Specific Sciences > Artificial Intelligence General Issues > Experimentation Specific Sciences > Neuroscience General Issues > Technology
Date:	2016
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/12180

Available Versions of this Item

• The epistemic value of brain-machine systems for the study of the brain. (deposited 07 Jan 2016 13:26)
  • The epistemic value of brain-machine systems for the study of the brain. (deposited 11 Jun 2016 02:19) [Currently Displayed]
    • The epistemic value of brain-machine systems for the study of the brain. (deposited 05 Nov 2016 19:45)

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