Brains, Networks and Dynamics

Abstract

This paper argues that when brain networks figure in explanations of cognition and behavior they often do so in conjunction with independent dynamical assumptions about signal transmission in the brain. In such cases explanation does not depend on network structure alone but on network structure operating in conjunction with dynamical assumptions. Moreover, dynamical assumptions embody causal information, so that the resulting explanations are not entirely non-causal. In addition, it is argued that the directional features of explanations that appeal to networks can be understood in terms of the independence of network structure and dynamics.