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Localization and Intrinsic Function

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 January 2022

Charles A. Rathkopf
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Abstract

This article describes one style of functional analysis commonly used in the neurosciences called “task-bound functional analysis.” The concept of function invoked by this style of analysis is distinctive in virtue of the dependence relations it bears to transient environmental properties. It is argued that task-bound functional analysis cannot explain the presence of structural properties in nervous systems. An alternative concept of neural function is introduced that draws on the theoretical neuroscience literature, and an argument is given to show that this alternative concept may help to overcome the explanatory limitations of task-bound functional analysis.

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Type
Research Article
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Philosophy of Science , Volume 80 , Issue 1 , January 2013 , pp. 1 - 21
Copyright
Copyright © The Philosophy of Science Association

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Footnotes

†

Thanks to Paul Humphreys, Colin Klein, Michael Anderson, and Matt Duncan for providing very helpful comments on an earlier draft.

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