Multiscale Modeling in Neuroethology: The Significance of the Mesoscale

Recent accounts of multiscale modeling investigate ontic and epistemic constraints imposed by relations between component models at varying relative scales (macro, meso, micro). These accounts often focus especially on the role of the meso, or intermediate, relative scale in a multiscale model. We a...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Philosophy of science 2023-12, Vol.90 (5), p.1374-1384
Main Authors: Bursten, Julia R. S., Dhein, Kelle
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animal behavior
Animal cognition
Bees
Brain research
Cognitive ability
Cognitive mapping
Cognitive maps
Cognitive models
Cognitive-behavioral factors
Constraint modelling
Foraging behavior
Insects
Memory
Mesoscale phenomena
Motivation
Neuroethology
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Summary:Recent accounts of multiscale modeling investigate ontic and epistemic constraints imposed by relations between component models at varying relative scales (macro, meso, micro). These accounts often focus especially on the role of the meso, or intermediate, relative scale in a multiscale model. We aid this effort by highlighting a novel role for mesoscale models: functioning as a focal point, and explanation, for disagreement between researchers who otherwise share theoretical commitments. We present a case study in multiscale modeling of insect behavior to illustrate, arguing that the cognitive map debate in neuroethology research is best understood as a mesoscale disagreement.
ISSN:0031-8248
1539-767X
DOI:10.1017/psa.2023.12