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Models and Mechanisms in Cognitive Science

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Springer Handbook of Model-Based Science

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Abstract

In this chapter, we present and discuss models in the context of cognitive sciences, that is, the sciences of the mind. We will focus on computational models, which are the most popular models used in the disciplines of the mind.

The chapter has three sections. In the first section, we explain what is a computational model, give a pair of examples of it, illustrate some crucial concepts related to this kind of models (simulation , computational explanation , functional explanation , and mechanicism ) and introduce a class of partially alternative models: dynamical models. In the second section, we discuss a pair of difficulties faced by computational explanation and modeling in cognitive sciences: the problem raised by the constraint of modularity, and the problem of the allegedly required integration between dynamical and computational models. Finally, in the third section, we provide a short recap.

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Abbreviations

3-D:

three-dimensional

CRTM:

computational and representational theory of mind

LTP:

long term potentiation

MMH:

massive modularity hypothesis

ToMM:

theory of mind mechanism

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Philosophy, Communication and Media Studies, University of Rome ’Roma Tre’, Via Ostiense 234, 00144, Rome, Italy

    Massimo Marraffa

  2. Department of Letters, Philosophy, Communication, Università di Bergamo, Via Pignolo 123, 24121, Bergamo, Italy

    Alfredo Paternoster

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  1. Massimo Marraffa
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Correspondence to Massimo Marraffa .

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  1. Department of Humanities, University of Pavia, Piazza Botta 6, 27100, Pavia, Italy

    Lorenzo Magnani  & Tommaso Bertolotti  & 

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Marraffa, M., Paternoster, A. (2017). Models and Mechanisms in Cognitive Science. In: Magnani, L., Bertolotti, T. (eds) Springer Handbook of Model-Based Science. Springer Handbooks. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-30526-4_43

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