Against (theory-neutral) method (in consciousness science).

Scientific investigation of consciousness cannot begin from a theory-neutral foundation. Even approaches that claim to be theory-light rely on substantive background assumptions that cannot be set aside. The aspiration to minimize theory-dependence in favor of pure observation risks collapsing into naïve empiricism. There is no context-independent scientific method that can purge theoretical commitments from the neuroscience of consciousness without significant epistemic cost.

Study at a glance

Abstract

This article challenges the assumption that the science of consciousness can proceed from a theory-neutral foundation. I argue that even ostensibly theory-neutral (or theory-light) programmes inevitably rely on substantive background commitments that cannot be cleanly bracketed. The analysis demonstrates that the aspiration to eliminate or minimize theory-dependence in favour of pure observation risks collapsing into naïve empiricism. More broadly, the paper contends that there is no context-independent scientific method-certainly not one that seeks to purge theoretical commitments from the neuroscience of consciousness without significant epistemic cost.