Neuroscience is pre-paradigmatic. Consciousness is why
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that neuroscience remains pre-paradigmatic and that consciousness should be its organizing principle, analogous to evolution in biology. |
Abstract
This essay argues that neuroscience remains pre-paradigmatic in the Kuhnian sense, lacking a unifying theoretical framework despite impressive methodological advances. The author contends that consciousness is the missing organising principle, analogous to evolution in biology. Drawing on evidence of reproducibility failures in neuroimaging and the field's reliance on 'cool' rather than fundamental findings, the piece calls for placing consciousness at the centre of neuroscience.