A5087903299- Philosophy and Theoretical Science
- Epistemology, Ethics, and Metaphysics
- Neurobiology and Insect Physiology Research
- Philosophy and History of Science
- Quantum Mechanics and Applications
- Relativity and Gravitational Theory
- Philosophical Ethics and Theory
- Physiological and biochemical adaptations
- Olfactory and Sensory Function Studies
- Theology and Philosophy of Evil
- CRISPR and Genetic Engineering
- Insect and Arachnid Ecology and Behavior
- Free Will and Agency
- Chromosomal and Genetic Variations
- Classical Philosophy and Thought
- Insect Utilization and Effects
- Embodied and Extended Cognition
- Neuroscience and Neural Engineering
- Microtubule and mitosis dynamics
- COVID-19 and Mental Health
- Medieval and Classical Philosophy
- Animal Behavior and Reproduction
- Disaster Management and Resilience
- History and Theory of Mathematics
- Genomics and Chromatin Dynamics
University of California, Berkeley
2017-2024
University of Oxford
2013-2018
Princeton University
2014-2016
Tata Institute of Fundamental Research
2016
University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School
2007-2013
New York University
2009
Abstract The Principle of Sufficient Reason states that everything has an explanation. But different notions explanation yield versions this principle. Here a version is formulated in terms the notion “grounding” Its consequences are then explored, with particular emphasis on fact it implies necessitarianism, view every truth necessarily true. Finally, principle defended from number objections, including objections to necessitarianism. result defense “rationalist” metaphysics, one...
Recent studies in mammals have documented the neural expression and mobility of retrotransposons suggested that genomes are diverse mosaics. We found transposition occurs among memory-relevant neurons Drosophila brain. Cell type-specific gene profiling revealed transposon is more abundant mushroom body (MB) αβ than neighboring MB neurons. The Piwi-interacting RNA (piRNA) proteins Aubergine Argonaute 3, known to suppress transposons fly germline, expressed brain appear less Loss piRNA...
Symmetries in physics are a guide to reality. That much is well known. But what less known why symmetry What justifies inferences that draw conclusions about reality from premises symmetries? I argue answering this question reveals an epistemic notion twice over. First, these must proceed via lemmas: symmetries the first instance justify lemmas our powers of detection, and only those can we Second, order lemmas, be defined partly terms. 1 Symmetry-to-Reality Reasoning 1.1 A rough...
Much recent metaphysics is built around notions such as naturalness, fundamentality, grounding, dependence, essence, and others besides. In this article I raise a problem for kind of metaphysics, the "problem missing value." survey number possible solutions to find them all wanting. This suggests return Goodmanian view that world structureless mess onto which we project our own categorizations, not something with categories already in.
Decisions take time if information gradually accumulates to a response threshold, but the neural mechanisms of integration and thresholding are unknown. We characterized decision process in Drosophila that bears behavioral signature evidence accumulation. As stimulus contrast trained odor discriminations decreased, reaction times increased perceptual accuracy declined, quantitative agreement with drift-diffusion model. FoxP mutants took longer than wild-type flies form decisions similar or...
Sometimes, ignorance is inexpressible. Lewis recognized this when he argued, in “Ramseyan Humility,” that we cannot know which property occupies causal role. This peculiar state of arises a number other domains too, including about our position space and the identities individuals. In these cases, one does not something, yet give voice to one's certain way. But what cases consist in? essay argues many standard models account for phenomenon inexpressible ignorance. It then develops an...
Perceptual decisions require the accumulation of sensory information to a response criterion. Most accounts how brain performs this process temporal integration have focused on evolving patterns spiking activity. We report that subthreshold changes in membrane voltage can represent accumulating evidence before choice. αβ core Kenyon cells (αβc KCs) mushroom bodies fruit flies integrate odor-evoked synaptic inputs action potential threshold at timescales matching speed olfactory...
Normative non-naturalism is the view that some normative properties are irreducible and non-natural. Against this view, it has been objected non-natural like these would have no 'normative authority' over us. This paper formulates objection in a particular way, argues standard non-naturalist responses inadequate. The formulation here distinctive so far as rests on controversial principles connecting judgement motivation.
Abstract Substantivalism is the view that space exists in addition to any material bodies situated within it. Relationalism opposing there no such thing as space; are just bodies, spatially related one another. This paper assesses this issue context of classical physics. It starts by describing bucket argument for substantivalism. then turns anti‐substantivalist arguments, including Leibniz's classic arguments and their contemporary reincarnation under guise ‘symmetry’. argues these stronger...
Path integration is a mode of navigation in which travel distance and direction are integrated to calculate position. Estimating distance, or odometry, requires the summation translational vectors over time. Although neurons sensitive velocity have been identified numerous species, definitive relationship between activity these subjective perception has yet be established. We developed new memory-based assay dissect neural circuit estimation. Flies can estimate by using self-motion,...
Mutation of human microcephalin (MCPH1) causes autosomal recessive primary microcephaly, a developmental disorder characterized by reduced brain size. We identified mcph1, the Drosophila homolog MCPH1, in genetic screen for regulators S-M cycles early embryo. Embryos null mcph1 female flies undergo mitotic arrest with barrel-shaped spindles lacking centrosomes. Chk2 suppresses these defects, indicating that they occur secondary to previously described Chk2-mediated response entry...