Frances Egan

Luis Favela, a philosopher and cognitive scientist, joins Edouard Machery, a philosophy expert, along with neuroscientists John Krakauer and Rosa Cao, and philosopher Frances Egan. They dive into the murky waters of the term 'representation,' revealing its varied interpretations in cognitive science. The guests debate the implications of vague terminology on our understanding of mental processes and argue for clearer definitions to enhance interdisciplinary communication. They also touch on the complexities of linking neuroscience to concepts of consciousness and intelligence.

Frances Egan, an Emeritus Professor of Philosophy at Rutgers, challenges conventional theories of mental representation in her latest work. She advocates for a naturalistic account that views representational glosses as abstract interpretations of neural mechanisms. Egan explores the implications of this shift in understanding cognition, highlighting the importance of commonsense psychology. She also discusses the relevance of beliefs and desires in both AI and non-human animals, pushing the boundaries of how we think about mental content and its role in explaining behavior.

Frances Egan, an Emeritus Professor of Philosophy at Rutgers University, dives deep into her groundbreaking work, "Deflating Mental Representation." She challenges conventional views on mental representation by advocating for a naturalistic approach that prioritizes neural mechanisms over abstract constructs. Egan critiques traditional theories of intentionality and highlights the complexities of linking mental states to cognitive processes. Her insights promise to reshape how we understand thoughts, the mind, and even the implications for AI and non-human animals.