Explanatory Role of Bayesian Models of Cognition (2015)
Undergraduate: Christopher Register
Faculty Advisor: Laurie Paul
Department: Philosophy
In this presentation I will discuss a prominent type of model used to analyze cognitive processes. These models are Bayesian Computational Models. Psychologists and Cognitive Scientists use these models to explain how children learn languages or causal relationships. However, these models do not specify what neural mechanisms are underlying the cognitive processes. So, how can we understand their role as explanatory models of science? I will discuss how we should interpret these models in contemporary psychology and cognitive science.