The Complexity of Simplification in Computational Neuroscience

This chapter explores the nuanced relationship between simplification and complexity in neuroscience, focusing on foundational contributions to computational methods involving neuron populations. It discusses the philosophical implications of simplifying biological systems, contrasting different organizational levels of the brain and the historical evolution of scientific thought. Additionally, the chapter emphasizes the importance of flexibility in brain function, the challenges of abstraction versus implementation, and the need for various models to capture the intricacies of neural processes.