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
Argentine protesters condemn science funding shortfall
Demonstrators across the country called for the government to increase public university salaries and funding for scientific research.
Argentine protesters condemn science funding shortfall
Demonstrators across the country called for the government to increase public university salaries and funding for scientific research.
By
Claudia López Lloreda, Natalia Mesa, Anita Pouchard Serra
15 May 2026 | 3 min read
This paper changed my life: Appreciating John Hopfield’s brilliant neural network
In a 1982 paper, the Nobel laureate created his namesake recurrent neural network—work that taught Maria Geffen to always ground research questions in biology.
This paper changed my life: Appreciating John Hopfield’s brilliant neural network
In a 1982 paper, the Nobel laureate created his namesake recurrent neural network—work that taught Maria Geffen to always ground research questions in biology.
By
Maria Geffen
15 May 2026 | 5 min read
How basic neuroscientists can connect with autistic people and their communities
A first-of-its-kind workshop offers a template for autism researchers who want to incorporate community perspectives into their work.
How basic neuroscientists can connect with autistic people and their communities
A first-of-its-kind workshop offers a template for autism researchers who want to incorporate community perspectives into their work.
By
Juliana Chase, Hannah R. Monday, Lea Witkowsky
14 May 2026 | 6 min read