Neuroscientist and author John Krakauer returns to discuss brain reorganization, plasticity, motor problems after strokes, and artificial general intelligence. They explore the misconception of brain reorganization, the challenges in studying behavioral outcomes after a stroke, and the need to critically analyze scientific papers and challenge established ideas.
The notion of thinking and cognition cannot be explained away or diminished by solely invoking sensory motor frameworks.
There is a tension between reductionist approaches that seek to find a biology or physics of cognition and emergent approaches that recognize the discontinuities and unique capabilities of human cognition.
The podcast challenges the commonly held belief that the brain undergoes reorganization following injury or damage, suggesting that pre-existing neural networks are simply being upregulated.
Deep dives
The need for explanation of cognition and intelligence
There is a need for an explanation of cognition and intelligence that goes beyond reductionist approaches. The notion of thinking and cognition cannot be explained away or diminished by solely invoking sensory motor frameworks. Cognition is a unique cognitive ability that requires study and understanding beyond the continuum of other species.
The tension between reductionist and emergent approaches in intelligence
There is a tension between reductionist approaches that seek to find a biology or physics of cognition and emergent approaches that recognize the discontinuities and unique capabilities of human cognition. The attempts to explain intelligence solely based on simpler models or frameworks overlook the complexity and distinctive features of human cognition.
Explaining cognition without diminishing its importance
There is a lack of acknowledgement of the need for explanation and understanding of human cognition. Invoking reductionist frameworks or denying the existence of higher cognition does not provide a comprehensive understanding of the capabilities and complexities of human intelligence.
The importance of studying cognition across species
Studying cognition across different species, including animals and humans, provides valuable insights into the wide range of intelligent behaviors and capabilities. However, it is crucial to be cautious when drawing direct parallels or making metaphoric extrapolations without solid evidence and understanding of the specific cognitive processes involved.
Reorganization and Plasticity in the Brain
The podcast episode challenges the commonly held belief that the brain undergoes reorganization following injury or damage. It argues that the term 'reorganization' is often used to imply a qualitative change in brain function, but the evidence suggests that pre-existing neural networks are simply being upregulated. The episode cites examples of studies on blind individuals and stroke patients to demonstrate that the brain's capacity for plasticity is not as dramatic as commonly believed.
The Role of Plasticity and Synaptic Changes in Cognition
The discussion touches on the importance of synaptic plasticity in motor skill learning and recovery from brain injury. However, it is noted that the role of synaptic plasticity in higher-level cognition, such as memory and learning, is still being explored. The episode raises the question of whether understanding cognition requires looking under the biological hood or if functionalist approaches combined with AI can provide insights. It is acknowledged that while functionalism may explain aspects of cognition, conscious awareness may ultimately depend on the biological substrate.
John Krakauer has been on the podcast multiple times (see links below). Today we discuss some topics framed around what he's been working on and thinking about lately. Things like
Whether brains actually reorganize after damage
The role of brain plasticity in general
The path toward and the path not toward understanding higher cognition
Time stamps
0:00 - Intro
2:07 - It's a podcast episode!
6:47 - Stroke and Sherrington neuroscience
19:26 - Thinking vs. moving, representations
34:15 - What's special about humans?
56:35 - Does cortical reorganization happen?
1:14:08 - Current era in neuroscience
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
