# Codes, Functions, and Causes: A Critique of Brette's Conceptual Analysis of Coding

## TL;DR

This paper critiques Brette's claim that coding is an inappropriate concept in neurocognitive explanations, defending the coherence and utility of analysis-by-decomposition in modeling brain functions.

## Contribution

It clarifies the conceptual structure of coding and analysis-by-decomposition, arguing they are valid and essential tools in neurocognitive modeling.

## Key findings

- Analysis-by-decomposition is conceptually coherent.
- Coding remains a valid explanatory tool.
- Such analyses are crucial for neurocognitive modeling.

## Abstract

In a recent article, Brette argues that coding as a concept is inappropriate for explanations of neurocognitive phenomena. Here, we argue that Brette's conceptual analysis mischaracterizes the structure of causal claims in coding and other forms of analysis-by-decomposition. We argue that analyses of this form are permissible, conceptually coherent, and offer essential tools for building and developing models of neurocognitive systems like the brain.

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/1904.08873