FARID SABERI

My current interest lies in the conceptual and methodological issues in different evolutionary theories of cognition, brain, and consciousness, with a special emphasis on the role of major transitions in cognitive evolution.

My master’s research project explored moral evolution from an evo-devo perspective, focusing on the role of developmental plasticity. I aim to expand on this perspective in my PhD research, particularly regarding the evolution of nervous systems and cognition in general. Specifically, I am interested in examining two key issues in evolutionary studies of the brain: the allocation problem and the transition problem. The allocation problem relates to how the basic generic structure of nervous systems, especially in vertebrates, supports the extensive variety of functions and behaviors observed across different species, environments, and developmental stages. Several theories attempt to explain this phenomenon. To name a few: Neural reuse (Anderson, 2010, 2014), Neural Darwinism (Edelman, 1989), and the modularity thesis (Barkow, Cosmides, & Tooby, 1992). The transition problem centers on major transitions in brain evolution, such as the shift from decentralized nervous systems (like those of hydra) to complex, centralized nervous systems in some insects, as well as the subsequent major transitions to birds, mammals, and humans. Scholars addressing the transition question have investigated how changes in generic brain structure facilitated more complex behaviors and cognitive abilities (Barron et al. 2023, Ginsburg & Jablonka 2010, 2021, Hauser et al. 2002, Dennett 2017, Dehaene et al. 2022, Tomasello 2014, Maynard Smith & Szathmàry 1995).

Both the allocation and transition problems share similar assumptions. They emphasize the roles of neuroplasticity, developmental processes, and environmental factors in brain evolution. They also rely on comparable empirical evidence, such as studies on brain development and neuroplasticity. However, the relationship between these two frameworks has not yet been fully explored. This research will focus on how these theories might complement and modify one another. Specifically, I consider the following questions: How does the evolution of brains go beyond merely reallocating existing brain structures to involve fundamental changes in brain organization? Which versions of allocation theories are more successful concerning the transition problem? Ultimately, this research aims to integrate these two theoretical approaches for a more comprehensive understanding of brain evolution.

Theoretically, my research helps to provide a better foundation for answering questions regarding the emergence of language (or other distinctive human cognitive capacities) as an allocation or transition problem (or a combination of both). From a more applied viewpoint, a deeper understanding of the evolution of cognition is relevant to comprehending AI and its differences from animal and human intelligence, along with the ethical implications of these differences.

Moreover, another application of this research will involve coordinating the various terminologies used to describe brain and mental capacities (what is known in the scholarly literature as coordinated pluralism about cognitive ontologies). In particular, I intend to develop the implications of this pluralism for the challenge of linking clinical and psychiatric terminologies to those in neuroscientific and psychological fields. This could potentially lead to new insights into mental health practices.

Talks and conferences:

• Academic Talk, “Philosophy After Human Catastrophes: Metaphilosophy of Sellars, Quine, and Marx,” Invited as guest Speaker by Aftab Cultural Association, Edmonton, Feb 2025.
• Presentation, “Cultures and Brains: A Case for Dialectical Conception of Culture in Cultural Neuroscience?” Rotman Graduate Student Conference, Western University, September 2024.
• Presentation, “Cultures and Brains: A Case for Dialectical Conception of Culture in Cultural Neuroscience?” Western Canadian Philosophical Association, University of Saskatchewan, September 2024.
• Academic Talk, “Developments and Conceptual Concerns in the Contemporary Philosophy of Biology: An Introduction,” Invited as guest Speaker by the University of Tehran Student Philosophical Association, University of Tehran, August 2024.
• Presentation, “Biology, Dialectics, and Ideology: How to Distinguish Politically Committed Sciences from Politicized Sciences?” Canadian Philosophical Association, McGill University, June 2024.
• Presentation “A Materialist Approach to the Crisis of Political Polarization,” Critical Social Ontology Conference, University of Saint Louis, March 2024.
• Presentation, “A Case for Transcendental Optimism: Comparing Feminist and Realist Philosophies of Science”, Western Canadian Philosophical Association, University of British Columbia, October 2023.