JoLMA The Journal for the Philosophy of Language, Mind and the Arts

Rivista | JoLMA
Fascicolo monografico | 2 | 1 | 2021
Articolo | Neuroimaging. How to Question Scientific Images and Their Artistic Value

Neuroimaging. How to Question Scientific Images and Their Artistic Value

Abstract

Unquestionable holders of aesthetic content, images have a well-known role even in conveying scientific knowledge. In the present work, we focus on the epistemological role of images within neuroscience. We first analyze the concepts of representation, similarity, and informativeness. Second, we discuss relevant case-studies, i.e., images by functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging, and how the pictorial interventions commonly applied on them might have an impact on their informational content. Finally, we explore the notion of imagination as a relevant faculty for modelling neuroscientific theories and the concept of creativity as an instrument to aesthetically modify brain images. These manipulations enable images to achieve the scientific purpose, altering the relation of similarity between the image and the studied phenomenon. In conclusion, this process leads to rethinking the role of the neuroscientist as an active observer.


Open access | Peer reviewed

Presentato: 16 Marzo 2021 | Accettato: 25 Giugno 2021 | Pubblicato 30 Giugno 2021 | Lingua: en

Keywords NeurosciencefMRIBrain ImagingImaginationDenotationVisual StudiesScientific modelsMental ImageryInformational images


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