Abstract
In this perspective we provide an example for the limits of reverse engineering in neuroscience. We demonstrate that application of reverse engineering to the study of the design principle of a functional neuro-system with a known mechanism, may result in a perfectly valid but wrong induction of the system's design principle. If in the very simple setup we bring here (static environment, primitive task and practically unlimited access to every piece of relevant information), it is difficult to induce a design principle, what are our chances of exposing biological design principles when more realistic conditions are examined? Implications to the way we do Biology are discussed.
Highlights
In this perspective we provide an example for the limits of reverse engineering in neuroscience
While in the above sense we all do reverse engineering, there are aspects that significantly complicate matters in that context: Unlike reverse engineering of man-made apparatuses, in biological reverse engineering there is no prior knowledge of the relevant level of organization
Biological systems are characterized by deep degeneracy; functional objects may be mapped to many different processes within a given level of organization as well as at many different levels
Summary
In this perspective we provide an example for the limits of reverse engineering in neuroscience. Reverse engineering is a concept in software and hardware industry, denoting the process of detailed examination of a functional system, in the face of limited a-priori knowledge of its design principles. We demonstrate that application of reverse engineering to the study of representation in a functional neuro-system with known design principles, may result in a perfectly valid but wrong induction of the system’s design principle.
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