Guala , Francesco and Hodgson, Tim (2010) The philosopher in the scanner (or: how can neuroscience contribute to social philosophy?). Journal of Economic Methodology, 17 (2). pp. 147-157. ISSN 1350-178X

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Abstract

Analytical philosophy has been challenged by experimental approaches that make use of, among other things, cognitive science methods. In this paper we illustrate the benefits of merging philosophy with neuroscience, using an example of research in the foundations of social science. We argue that designing novel experiments to answer specific philosophical questions has several advantages compared to relying passively on neuroscientists’ data. In this particular case, the data redirect attention towards topics – such as inductive reasoning – that are relatively overlooked by mainstream social neuroscience.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	Analytical philosophy has been challenged by experimental approaches that make use of, among other things, cognitive science methods. In this paper we illustrate the benefits of merging philosophy with neuroscience, using an example of research in the foundations of social science. We argue that designing novel experiments to answer specific philosophical questions has several advantages compared to relying passively on neuroscientists’ data. In this particular case, the data redirect attention towards topics – such as inductive reasoning – that are relatively overlooked by mainstream social neuroscience.
Keywords:	coordination, induction, neuroscience
Subjects:	C Biological Sciences > C800 Psychology C Biological Sciences > C850 Cognitive Psychology C Biological Sciences > C830 Experimental Psychology C Biological Sciences > C860 Neuropsychology
Divisions:	College of Social Sciences > Faculty of Health & Social Sciences > School of Psychology
Depositing User:	Alison Wilson
Date Deposited:	28 Nov 2011 18:16
Last Modified:	13 Mar 2013 09:03
URI:	http://eprints.lincoln.ac.uk/id/eprint/4800

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