Is the nervous system a democracy? (2016)
Nervous systems exhibit governance styles in decision-making, with "dictator neurons" enabling rapid responses and collective neuron activity reflecting democratic processes, enhancing adaptability and survival across species.
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The organization of nervous systems in decision-making has been likened to various forms of government, such as democracy and dictatorship. Historically, psychologists like William James and Sir Charles Sherrington debated whether a single neuron could dominate behavior or if the nervous system operates as a collective of many cells. Research indicates that some behaviors are controlled by "dictator neurons," which can trigger rapid responses, such as a crayfish's tail-flip or a fish's escape movement, through electrical signals. These neurons integrate sensory information and command other neurons to execute movements. However, alternative pathways exist, allowing for more flexible responses, indicating a form of oligarchy in decision-making.
In contrast, many behaviors are governed by a democratic process, where multiple neurons contribute to the outcome. For instance, when a monkey reaches for an object, various neurons in the motor cortex generate spikes, with each neuron favoring a specific direction. This collective spiking can be mathematically analyzed to predict movement outcomes, akin to a voting system. Additionally, experiments show that even if certain neurons are silenced, others can compensate, demonstrating the robustness of this democratic approach.
Overall, nervous systems can exhibit multiple governance styles simultaneously, with dictator neurons acting quickly while other neurons refine movements, enhancing survival and adaptability. This complexity underscores the intricate nature of neural decision-making across different species.
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10 commentsThe illusion that is the singular self can run separate perspectives concurrently (sic., driving while self assembling a story narrative in the mind)
The random layperson's mind is a hodgepodge of their development. A well trained mind can compartmentalize, become sensitive to the slightest internal cognitive dispositions, and self specialize in ways you will accuse of being science fiction.
> A single “dictator neuron” can take charge of complex behaviors
My term for this theory is "Brain Pilots": https://breckyunits.com/brain-pilots.html
Now that's one extreme, the all commanding cell. It's also self-evident that cells aren't some 'set of equals' commune. Of course there are master cells that activate other cells in certain conditions. This is seen even in our deep learning nets where you may have a "I see a cat" neuron and "I see a dog" neuron that triggers the response program for those things.
That's all to say, reality is a place in between
I don't know much about neuroscience but right now democracy seems like a very nervous system.
I've never seen this happen and I can't imagine anyone in the present day using "government" to describe "organized decision making."
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