Journal | JoLMA
Monographic journal issue | 2 | 1 | 2021
Research Article | 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.
Submitted: March 16, 2021 | Accepted: June 25, 2021 | Published June 30, 2021 | Language: en
Keywords Visual Studies • Mental Imagery • fMRI • Denotation • Imagination • Scientific models • Neuroscience • Brain Imaging • Informational images
Copyright © 2021 Emanuele Carlenzi, Davide Coraci, Alessandro Pigoni. This is an open-access work distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction is permitted, provided that the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. The license allows for commercial use. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
Permalink http://doi.org/10.30687/Jolma/2723-9640/2021/01/009
