Evolving Concepts of Functional Localization

Abstract

Functional localization is a central aim of cognitive neuro-science. But the nature and extent of functional localization in the human brain have been subjects of fierce theoretical debate since the 19 th Century. In this essay, I first examine how concepts of functional localization have changed over time. I then analyze contemporary challenges to functional localization drawing from research on neural reuse, neural degeneracy, and the context-dependence of neural functions. I explore the consequences of these challenges for topics in philosophy of science and philosophy of mind including localizationist versus anti-localizationist approaches to cognitive neuroscience, multiple realizability, reverse inference in functional neuroimaging, and the modularity of mind.