PhilSci Archive

A Phylogenetic Perspective on Distributed Decision-Making Mechanisms

Huang, Linus Ta-Lun and Bechtel, William (2020) A Phylogenetic Perspective on Distributed Decision-Making Mechanisms. [Preprint]

[img]
Preview
Text
cogsci20a-sub2008-cam-i9.pdf

Download (124kB) | Preview

Abstract

This paper challenges a common assumption about decision- making mechanisms in humans: decision-making is a distinctively high-level cognitive activity implemented by mechanisms concentrated in the higher-level areas of the cortex. We argue instead that human behavior is controlled by a multiplicity of highly distributed, heterarchically organized decision-making mechanisms. We frame it in terms of control mechanisms that procure and evaluate information to select activities of controlled mechanisms and adopt a phylogenetic perspective, showing how decision-making is realized in control mechanisms in a variety of species. We end by discussing this picture's implication for high-level cognitive decision-making.


Export/Citation: EndNote | BibTeX | Dublin Core | ASCII/Text Citation (Chicago) | HTML Citation | OpenURL
Social Networking:
Share |

Item Type: Preprint
Creators:
CreatorsEmailORCID
Huang, Linus Ta-Lunlinushuang@ucsd.edu
Bechtel, Williambill@mechanism.ucsd.edu
Keywords: philosophy of neuroscience, control mechanisms, decision-making; phylogenetic refinement; heterarchical networks; hypothalamus; basal ganglia
Subjects: Specific Sciences > Cognitive Science
General Issues > Explanation
Specific Sciences > Neuroscience
Depositing User: Professor William Bechtel
Date Deposited: 28 May 2020 03:01
Last Modified: 28 May 2020 03:01
Item ID: 17250
Subjects: Specific Sciences > Cognitive Science
General Issues > Explanation
Specific Sciences > Neuroscience
Date: 27 May 2020
URI: https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/17250

Monthly Views for the past 3 years

Monthly Downloads for the past 3 years

Plum Analytics

Actions (login required)

View Item View Item