Exploratory Concept Formation and Tool Development in Neuroscience

Bibliographic Data

ID10707022
AuthorsPhilipp Haueis (0000-0002-0935-9015, corresponding author)
Year2023
Volume90
Issue2
Pages354-375
Publication date2023-04-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenuePhilosophy of Science (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0031-8248 • E-ISSN: 1539-767X
PublisherCambridge University Press (CUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1017/psa.2022.79
OpenAlexW4289868747
LanguageEN
Citations received5

Developing tools is a crucial aspect of experimental practice, yet most discussions of scientific change traditionally emphasize theoretical over technological change. To elaborate on the role of tools in scientific change, I offer an account that shows how scientists use tools in exploratory experiments to form novel concepts. I apply this account to two cases in neuroscience and show how tool development and concept formation are often intertwined in episodes of tool-driven change. I support this view by proposing common normative principles that specify when exploratory concept formation and tool development succeed (rather than fail) to initiate scientific change

Cognitive science · Data science · Engineering ethics · Epistemology · Management science · Normative · Computer Science · Engineering · Neural dynamics and brain function · Philosophy and History of Science · Psychology

Tools

Open DOIOpen Access