Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Philosophers of science have overlooked the role of theory in neuroscience, resulting in a somewhat surprising naïveté regarding the nature and function of neuroscientific theories. Here I provide a framework that identifies and begins to characterize what we need to know about neuroscientific theories so as to improve our epistemic standing. I argue that we need an account of the structural, interpretive, and functional aspects of neuroscientific theories, using the neuron doctrine as an illustrative case study. I introduce the novel metaphor of theoretical infrastructure as a guide for making sense of neuroscientific theories and their place within neuroscientific practice.
Source: Philosophy of Science
Author: Mara McGuire
Institution: University of Pittsburgh
Language: English
Subfield: History and Philosophy of Science
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,550
OpenAlex ID: W4414000245