Information in Explaining Cognition: How to Evaluate It?
Philosophies April 21, 2022 DOI: 10.3390/philosophies7020028 (opens in new tab) via DOAJ
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractThe truism that the brain processes information or that cognition is information processing is accepted in cognitive science, yet it is unclear how to evaluate such claims without a specification of what "information" means in neurocognitive theories. This article systematically identifies key features of information that information-based neurocognitive theories posit, which can reveal the explanatory role of information and serve as desiderata for evaluating candidate theories of information. After discussing explanation in cognitive science and its implications for information, three notions are introduced: natural, sensory, and endogenous information. Six desiderata are identified and defended based on cognitive scientific practices, and the global workspace theory of consciousness is used as a case study that arguably posits five or six corresponding features of information.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Cognition Cognitive science Sender Receiver Natural information |
| Key finding | Argues that identifying the key features of information posited by neurocognitive theories can reveal its explanatory role and provide desiderata for evaluating theories of information. |
Abstract
The claims that “The brain processes information” or “Cognition is information processing” are accepted as truisms in cognitive science. However, it is unclear how to evaluate such claims absent a specification of “information” as it is used by neurocognitive theories. The aim of this article is, thus, to identify the key features of information that information-based neurocognitive theories posit. A systematic identification of these features can reveal the explanatory role that information plays in specific neurocognitive theories, and can, therefore, be both theoretically and practically important. These features can be used, in turn, as desiderata against which candidate theories of information may be evaluated. After discussing some characteristics of explanation in cognitive science and their implications for “information”, three notions are briefly introduced: natural, sensory, and endogenous information. Subsequently, six desiderata are identified and defended based on cognitive scientific practices. The global workspace theory of consciousness is then used as a specific case study that arguably posits either five or six corresponding features of information.