Conceptual difficulties of applying the theory of mirror neurons in the neural network tools of artificial societies

Abstract

The article presents a methodological analysis of the neurophysiological concepts of mirror neurons, which offer both explanatory models of the functioning of consciousness and social interaction, and the development of their computer model. The physicalist project for the study of consciousness and social interaction, based on the study of mirror neurons, tries to offer a highly specialized, neurobiological explanation of consciousness and social interaction. The two most priority tasks of this project are: through the most accurate study and description of the functioning of the natural neurobiological system, to offer an explanation of natural high-level (relative to the neurobiological level) mental and social phenomena and phenomena; and based on the neurobiological methodological apparatus, the creation of such an artificial system that, like the natural, neurobiological one, would have a mentality and could enter into social interaction. These tasks are directly related to the reductionist natural science attitude, which assumes the existence of a strict causal connection between the neural organization and the functioning of consciousness and social interaction. The article considers the possibility of combining neurophysiological data on the work of mirror neurons and interpretations in the understanding of consciousness, as well as the possibility of creating their computer model. As a result, arguments are proposed both against the restriction of the methodology of scientific research of social and mental phenomena exclusively by natural scientific practices, and the need to distinguish between low-level neurobiological processes and high-level mental and social phenomena. Using these arguments, the authors hypothesize that the study of the brain is insufficient to create artificial systems endowed with consciousness and capable of entering into social interaction.