Episode 97: Mazviita Chirimuuta

On Episode 97, Nick chats with Mazviita Chirimuuta, Senior Lecturer in Philosophy at the University of Edinburgh, about her new book, The Brain Abstracted: Simplification in the History and Philosophy of Neuroscience, in which she argues that due to the brain's complexity, neuroscientific theories have only captured partial truths and that “neurophilosophy” is unlikely to be achieved. Rather than seeking to reform neuroscience or offer neuroscientists advice, Mazviita offers a new framework for interpreting the philosophical significance of present-day neuroscience research, and draws important lessons for debates over explanations of consciousness and the mind-body problem. Timestamps: (0:00) - Introduction (2:20) - Life in Edinburgh, festivals and teaching (4:56) - Upcoming new project, collaborating with scientists (8:22) - Life growing up, Mazviita’s background and getting into philosophy (16:29) - Mazviita’s decision to pursue philosophy professionally (18:30) - The shift to the sciences (21:10) - How Mazviita coupled the sciences with philosophical interest (25:26) - Philosophical questioning of color (28:05) - Transitioning to a career in philosophy (35:07) - Writing in history and philosophy of neuroscience, challenges of turning research into a book (39:34) - Mazviita’s new book, ‘The brain abstracted’, criticizing ideas from abstractions and idealizations (42:19) - Idealizations in the field of philosophy of neuroscience (46:55) - “Normative” lessons for neuroscience? (51:30) - The reception of the book (54:00) - The greatest challenge facing philosophy of science today