David Barack is a philosopher and neuroscientist who studies the neural circuits of foraging behavior and the conceptual foundations of cognitive neuroscience. He is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Pennsylvania. After earning his B.A. in consciousness studies at Pitzer College, he received his M.A. in philosophy from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and his Ph.D. in philosophy from Duke University, where he also received a certificate in cognitive neuroscience. He is currently writing a book on the neurodynamical foundations of mind.
David Barack
Research associate in neuroscience and philosophy
University of Pennsylvania
From this contributor
Must a theory be falsifiable to contribute to good science?
Four researchers debate the role that non-testable theories play in neuroscience.
Must a theory be falsifiable to contribute to good science?
By
Grace Lindsay, moderator
10 June 2024 | 55 min read
Explore more from The Transmitter
A planetarium for the brain
Tyler Sloan’s new film, more than a decade in the making, takes viewers on an immersive journey.
A planetarium for the brain
Tyler Sloan’s new film, more than a decade in the making, takes viewers on an immersive journey.
By
Emily Singer
27 July 2026 | 1 min watch
Neuroscientists weigh in on White House proposal for ‘moonshot infrastructure’ for connectomics
A report from the Trump administration calls for a “new golden age” of science, in which the federal government supports mission-driven collaborations to deliver high returns on research investments.
Neuroscientists weigh in on White House proposal for ‘moonshot infrastructure’ for connectomics
A report from the Trump administration calls for a “new golden age” of science, in which the federal government supports mission-driven collaborations to deliver high returns on research investments.
By
Sarah Thau
24 July 2026 | 4 min read
In memoriam: Kevin Dunbar, who traced the neural basis of human reasoning
Using imaging technologies, he transformed our understanding of how creativity and scientific discovery arise in the brain.
In memoriam: Kevin Dunbar, who traced the neural basis of human reasoning
Using imaging technologies, he transformed our understanding of how creativity and scientific discovery arise in the brain.
By
Alissa de Chassey
24 July 2026 | 6 min read