Shared from twixb · nature.com

How to breathe life back into brain theory

nature.com·May 25, 2026

Romain Brette's book, *The Brain, In Theory*, critiques the dominant computer-like model of the brain in neuroscience, arguing that it oversimplifies and misrepresents how brains function. He advocates for a biological perspective that emphasizes the brain's role in interaction and embodiment, suggesting that cognition should be understood as an ecological process rather than a mechanistic one.

Romain Brette's work challenges the prevailing computational model of the brain by arguing against viewing it as a programmable machine or an information processor. Instead, he proposes an ecological framework where cognition is seen as "knowing by doing," emphasizing the dynamic and embodied nature of the brain. This paradigm shift suggests that future research should focus more on understanding the brain as a living, evolving system deeply interconnected with its environment, which could significantly influence the direction of neuroscience and cognitive research.

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