Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
A widely held approach characterizes the concept of representation in cognitive science in terms of a selected effect notion of biological function. I argue that these theories of representation have trouble saying that there are representations where cognitive scientists say there are in at least some, and likely many, cases. I spell out the difficulties this raises for selected effect theories.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Andrew Rubner (2026) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 10 related papers. Consider them for comparative context: