Let the Brain Explain the Mind: the Case of Attention

Author: Ruz, Maria

Source: Philosophical Psychology, Volume 19, Number 4, August 2006 , pp. 495-505(11)

Publisher: Routledge, part of the Taylor & Francis Group

Abstract:

Oversimplified conceptions of cognitive neuroscience regard the goal of this discipline as the localization of previously discovered and validated cognitive processes. Research however is showing how brain data goes far beyond this translation role, as it can be used to help in explaining human cognition. Knowing about the brain is useful in building and redefining taxonomies of the mind and also in describing the mechanisms by which cognitive phenomena proceed. The present paper takes the cognitive system of attention as a model research field to exemplify how biological knowledge can be used to advance the psychological theories explaining mental phenomena.

Keywords: Functionalism; Human Cognition; Mind; Brain; Attention

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09515080600806583

Publication date: 2006-08-01

More about this publication?

• Editorial Board
• Information for Authors
• Subscribe to this Title
• ingentaconnect is not responsible for the content or availability of external websites

Related content

• In this: publication
• By this: publisher
• In this Subject: Philosophy ,  Psychology
• By this author: Ruz, Maria

Website © Publishing Technology. Article copyright remains with the publisher, society or author(s) as specified within the article.

• Terms and conditions
• Privacy policy
• Information for advertisers