Abstract
This article focuses on a scientific approach to the study of cognition that Warren McCulloch introduced in the era of cybernetics as “experimental epistemology.” In line with recent attempts to highlight its contribution to cognitive science and AI, our article intends to draw attention to its unexplored influence on contemporary embodied approaches to the investigation of mind and consciousness. To this end, we will survey a series of models of cognitive systems genealogically related to the McCulloch-Pitts networks-based modeling approach, i.e., von Foerster’s model of the biological computer, the Maturana-Varela model of the autopoietic system, and Varela’s model of emergent selves. Based on examination of the relevant aspects of these models, we will argue that they offered the McCulloch-Pitts “cybernetic of networks” a coherent methodological and theoretical line of development, complementary to the well-known computationalist one. As we will show, this alternative evolutionary line empowered the biological orientation of McCulloch’s experimental epistemology, laying foundations for contemporary “radically embodied” approaches to mind and consciousness – in particular the Thompson-Varela approach. We will identify the heritage of this tradition of inquiry for future research in cognitive science and AI by proposing guidelines that synthetize how its methodological and theoretical insights suggest taking into account the role(s) played by the biological body in cognitive processes – consciousness included.
Highlights
“Experimental epistemology” is the designation given to one of the most original scientific projects in the era of cybernetics
As recent attempts to highlight its contribution to science show, his approach to the modeling of brain activity, developed with Walter Pitts in terms of networks of idealized neurons, has served as scaffolding for some of the most generative fields of contemporary science – cognitive science, AI, computer science, neuroscience and neural nets, among others (e.g., Kay, 2001; Dupuy, 2009)
We will bring into focus another line of development of McCulloch’s experimental epistemology, usually neglected despite its influence on the emergence of embodied cognitive science – in particular, its radical lines
Summary
“Experimental epistemology” is the designation given to one of the most original scientific projects in the era of cybernetics. As recent attempts to highlight its contribution to science show, his approach to the modeling of brain activity, developed with Walter Pitts in terms of networks of idealized neurons, has served as scaffolding for some of the most generative fields of contemporary science – cognitive science, AI, computer science, neuroscience and neural nets, among others (e.g., Kay, 2001; Dupuy, 2009) Drawing on these lines, our article intends to contribute to illuminating the influence that McCulloch’s experimental epistemology has had, and still can have, on scientific research on mind and consciousness. Its exploration could be independent from the study of brain and body – a view that is incompatible with the methodological positioning of McCulloch’s experimental epistemology These two elements of the 1943 McCulloch-Pitts proposal – reticularity and immanence – can be recognized as two key elements of the constructivist paradigm inspired by this work. Constructivism rejects the traditional characterization of cognition as a representation of an independent reality, and qualifies it as an adaptive function through which living systems actively organize – construct – their world of reference (Ceruti, 1987, 2007; von Glasersfeld, 1995; Damiano, 2009).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
