Topics Philosophy

Question Is there such a thing as neurophilosophy?

Accepted:
July 3, 2010

Comments

Yes, there is, and its an exciting emerging interdisciplinary field of study. Neurophilosophy is the field that studies the intersection of the neurosciences and philosophy. On the one hand, it is a branch of philosophy of mind that considers how information from the neurosciences might inform traditional philosophical questions about the nature of consciousness, language, perception, moral reasoning, intelligence, and human (and animal) psychology more generally. On the other hand, neurophilosophy involves applying the methods of philosophy of science to the neurosciences (e.g., considering what a good theory or experiement in neuroscience looks like, how best to understand causal interactions in neuroscience, how best to understand the relations among various levels of neuroscientific explanation and the levels of explanation in other sciences, such as physics and psychology, etc.). A related branch of neurophilosophy is neuroethics, which studies how neuroscience can inform ethical debates (such as questions about free will and moral responsibility) and also considers new ethical issues raised by neuroscience (such as neuro-enhancement, brain scans for lie detection, and the role of neuro-prediction of violent behavior in the criminal law).

I think the word was coined by one of the founders of neurophilosophy, Pat Churchland, in her 1989 book Neurophilosophy, and/or by her husband, Paul Churchland. Currently, there are dozens of professional philosophers who would likely call themselves neurophilosophers and who have training in both philosophy and neuroscience and/or other cognitive sciences. There are quite a few books and hundreds of articles that discuss neurophilosophical issues (e.g., see here). And there are several philosophy programs that include specializations in neurophilosophy, including PhD programs at UCSD (where the Churchlands teach) and at Washington University-St. Louis' PNP program, and (prepare for shameless plug) an MA program at my own department of Georgia State, which includes a Neurophilosophy Track.

I hope this information is helpful!

Question Is there such a thing as neurophilosophy? Accepted:July 3, 2010

Question Is there such a thing as neurophilosophy?

Accepted:
July 3, 2010