"As a skeptical empiricist I favor the experiments of empirical psychology to the MRI scans of the neurobiologists, even if they appear to be less ‘scientific” to the public"
Source (Thought #15)
Lately, I have been challenging myself by reading the work of Nassim Taleb. I suggest Fooled By Randomness and The Black Swan. His take on neurobiology does not sound favorable, but I don't think it applies to me. First, my science, although primarily MRI, is rooted in empirical psychology and mathematical modeling. I'm not fishing. I have falsifiable theories that I set out to disprove. If I fail, I tentatively accept them until a better theory comes along.
Second, I constrain my mathematical models of the human brain via neuroanatomy. Many times everything connects to everything in pure neuroanatomy, not offering the constraining parameters necessary for a powerful model.
One hope is functional anatomy which is coming into its own through new methods (e.g., DTI). It should provide increased constraints relating form to function. It is an exciting time, especially if you can question your assumptions about brain structures and their functions.
I leave you with science as art
The reconstructed white matter fiber tracts of the mid-sagittal plane of the human brain.
