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

Microsoft Word bionics-final.docx - Submitted Version Download (140kB)

Abstract

Leading researchers have claimed that bionic systems, connecting biological tissues with computer or robotic devices through brain-machine interfaces, can contribute not only to the restoration of lost sensory-motor abilities but also to neuroscientific research. This claim has been recently undermined by philosopher of neuroscience Carl Craver, who has proposed a sceptical argument on the epistemic value of bionic systems. This paper has a specific and a more general goal. The first one is to show that Craver’s argument, though logically sound, fails to support a negative view on the role of brain-machine systems in neuroscience. The more general objective is to argue that bionic technologies can really assist in the discovery of brain mechanism. This goal will be pursued by distinguishing between, and exemplifying, various bionics-supported methodologies for the study of the brain, which chiefly include simulative and non-simulative experiments. The critical discussion of Craver’s argument and the taxonomy proposed here may contribute to building up a finer-grained understanding of the variety of ways in which bionic systems can be used not only to restore sensory-motor capacities but also to model biological behaviours, and, for this reason, it may be of interest to all those wishing to understand the role of bionics in contemporary neuroscience and cognitive science research.

---

Export/Citation:

EndNote | BibTeX | Dublin Core | ASCII/Text Citation (Chicago) | HTML Citation | OpenURL

Social Networking:

Share |

---

Item Type:	Preprint
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Datteri, Edoardo edoardo.datteri@unimib.it
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:	07 Jan 2016 13:26
Last Modified:	07 Jan 2016 13:26
Item ID:	11855
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/11855

Available Versions of this Item

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

Monthly Views for the past 3 years

Monthly Downloads for the past 3 years

Plum Analytics

Actions (login required)

View Item