The Notion of Dynamic Unit: Conceptual Developments in Cognitive Science

The paper suggests a common ground for alternative proposals in different domains of cognitive science which have previously seemed to have little in common. The underlying common theme is associated with a redefinition of the basic unit of analysis in each domain of thought. Our framework suggests a definition of unity which is based on dynamic patterns of correlation across the elements constituting the unit (rather than on inherent properties of the constituting elements as in more traditional accounts). We introduce a set of features that characterize the new conceptual units, and distinguish them from traditional units of analysis. A conceptual connection is made with the identification of elementary units in modern physics theories, as well as with concepts and structures in the study of complex dynamical systems and connectionism. The paper analyses the evolution of the concept of unit in different domains of thought in cognitive science, and examines the proposed framework of "dynamic unity" with regard to various theoretical problems within each domain. The particular cognitive science issues discussed in the paper include: (1) the binding problem in the brain, (2) the mental unit of conceptual organization, (3) the 'wordhood' problem in linguistics, and (4) the identification of a collective unit of cognition in the natural environment. We describe recent epistemological developments in different domains of thought in cognitive science under a unifying frame. An increasing body of empirical evidence has been challenging traditional views in cognitive science, and researchers in different sub-fields of study have been independently proposing alternative theories. Our analysis will show that the new alternative theories share an epistemological trend which leads to a new conception of what a unit is and how it relates to its environment (its context). A " Dynamic Unit " (as defined in this paper) replaces the " traditional " unit of analysis at various levels of scientific analysis-at the level of physical processes, at the level of brain (neural) processes, at the level of mental representation and linguistic organization, and at the level of group activity. The discussion that follows encompasses a wide range of disciplines. In each discipline, we select a specific topic (or problem) and discuss alternative proposed solutions. In the domain of Neuroscience, we discuss solutions to the "binding problem" of neural information. In the domain of Mental Representation, we present alternative theories of conceptual organization. In the domain of Language, we discuss the " …