Abstract
A recent framework inspired by phenomenological philosophy, dynamical systems theory, embodied cognition and robotics has proposed the interactive brain hypothesis (IBH). Whereas mainstream social neuroscience views social cognition as arising solely from events in the brain, the IBH argues that social cognition requires, in addition, causal relations between the brain and the social environment. We discuss, in turn, the foundational claims for the IBH in its strongest form; classical views of cognition that can be raised against the IBH; a defence of the IBH in the light of these arguments; and a response to this. Our goal is to initiate a dialogue between cognitive neuroscience and enactive views of social cognition. We conclude by suggesting some new directions and emphases that social neuroscience might take.
Highlights
In the context of recent advances in social neuroscience, the availability of methods for investigating brain activity in complex situations, including live interaction, novel research questions emerge
A recent framework inspired by phenomenological philosophy, dynamical systems theory, embodied cognition and robotics has proposed the interactive brain hypothesis (IBH)
Whereas mainstream social neuroscience views social cognition as arising solely from events in the brain, the IBH argues that social cognition requires, in addition, causal relations between the brain and the social environment
Summary
In the context of recent advances in social neuroscience, the availability of methods for investigating brain activity in complex situations, including live interaction, novel research questions emerge. The reason is that the causal interactions at the systems level that explain the behaviour are far too thin to constitute cognition.
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Schedule a callMore From: Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences
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