tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9048879464910781933.post8528420392516914373..comments2023-10-12T00:25:24.119-07:00Comments on Talking Brains: Two new ways the mirror system claim is losing steamGreg Hickokhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16656473495682901613noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9048879464910781933.post-26781090741341915202011-05-23T08:18:57.517-07:002011-05-23T08:18:57.517-07:00Scientific opinion is both empirically and sociolo...Scientific opinion is both empirically and sociologically driven. The mirror neuron position is more sociological and empirical at this point.<br /><br />Strict motor simulation refers to the idea that when an action is observed the movement itself is simulated rather directly (grasping with the right hand using a particular grip is simulated with a right hand grasp and the same grip). Coding or activating the goals of the movement is abstracted from the movement itself. So that same movement would not be simulated in terms of the details of the movement but in terms of some higher level goal (e.g., to possess the object) which can be achieved by any number of motor programs.Greg Hickokhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16656473495682901613noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9048879464910781933.post-24967200992665477282011-05-23T00:10:35.895-07:002011-05-23T00:10:35.895-07:00Dear Prof. Hickok,
I just can’t understand how it...Dear Prof. Hickok,<br /><br />I just can’t understand how it is possible that the Mirror Neuron Theory may enjoy still so much success. That this happens in Italy (where I live) it is comprehensible, but that this also happens in the United States it is not (see Association for Psychological Science). But do people read the literature? You have so clearly shown the weaknesses of Rizzolatti’s theory. Famous neuropsychologists as Caramazza, Gopnik, Heyes etc. are skeptical about the real importance of the mirror neurons. It has happened to me listening to some seminars by Rizzolatti & Co. No a word about the criticisms turned to their theory. Their seminars invariably end with thunderous applause and Rizzolatti & Co. look pompous. Recently, I read the Italian translation of the book by L. D. Rosenblum "See What I'm Saying. The Extraordinary Powers of Our Five Senses. " The author talks about mirror neurons in an absolutely enthusiastic way. And what about Ramachandran? I am completely puzzled by all this.<br /><br />There is one last thing that I would like to ask you. Could you clarify the difference between the following concepts: “ mirror neurons enable action understanding via strict motor simulation” and “mirror neurons code the goals of the action". They do not say the same thing?<br /><br />Sincerely,<br />AntonioAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9048879464910781933.post-75666872549550470812011-05-19T03:47:58.524-07:002011-05-19T03:47:58.524-07:00I have commented on this excellent posting at http...I have commented on this excellent posting at http://charbonniers.org/2011/05/19JKwasniakhttp://charbonniers.orgnoreply@blogger.com