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Danielle J. Williams, PhD | she/her
Cognitive Science, Neuroscience, Computation, Mind + Technology
Washington University in St. Louis
My dissertation work is centered around computational implementation.
My dissertation work is predominately in the philosophy of physical computation. I argue for the surprising conclusion that different theories (non-semantic, semantic, mechanistic) address different questions about physical computation. They are, as a result, complementary rather than competing. I draw this result from studying the logical connections between the theories including the historical foundations and assumption that lead to their formulation. Some views offer a theory of implementation, some offer a theory of interpretation, and some offer an account of the physical implementing mechanisms. I develop a framework for understanding how these different theories fit together.
My work generally always has an interdisciplinary component. I often work at the intersection of philosophy and the following fields: cognitive science, neuroscience, computer science, and engineering. Some of my current projects include:
The nature of physical computation including different aspects of physical computation. Much of this project is an extension of my dissertation work.
Computational explanations in cognitive science, i.e. how we should understand the relationship between the models and the physical systems they describe and the different types of explanations that can be given and how they might work together.
Neuro-technology, such as BCI's (brain-computer-interface technology), and how they might have different philosophical implications (bioethical, metaphysical, and political).
The nature of mental representations, i.e. how the concept is deployed in neuroscience, physical realizers, and relatedly, what a representation is in a computational process (especially biophysical).
a video of me presenting some of my (working) ideas (at the time) on whether we can give a wholly mechanistic account of physical computation at the Rotman Institute of Philosophy. I develop and clarify these ideas in a chapter of my dissertation and in a current paper project in its final stages of development.

Some books that you may or may not enjoy reading:

This book includes a
comprehensive collection
of foundational papers
in philosophy of mind. It's worth reading as a refresher or to get acquainted with the literature.










This is a great book if you're
interested in the background
and history of computation and theories of physical
computation.





















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