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Brains have emulators with brains: Emulation economized

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 June 2004

Ricarda I. Schubotz*
Affiliation:
Department of Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, 04103Leipzig, Germany
D. Yves von Cramon*
Affiliation:
Department of Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, 04103Leipzig, Germany

Abstract:

This commentary addresses the neural implementation of emulation, mostly using findings from functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI). Furthermore, both empirical and theoretical suggestions are discussed that render two aspects of emulation theory redundant: independent modal emulators and extra measurement of amodal emulation. This modified emulation theory can conceptually integrate simulation theory and also get rid of some problematic philosophical implications.

Type
Open Peer Commentary
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2004

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References

Notes

1. Furthermore, redundancy emerges in an account that proposes one type of imagery (modal) to spring alternatively from two types of emulators (modal and amodal), but also two types of imagery (modal and amodal) to spring from one emulator (amodal).

2. Grush's pilot-without-flight-simulator metaphor (sect. 3.1) exemplifies the necessity of measurement, but it also expresses how the measurement assumption suggests the introduction of little monolingual homunculi: A Turkish-speaking controller and a French-speaking emulator need a translation – the extra measurement.