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
Remembering Gerry Fischbach, ‘orchestra conductor’ who brought scientists together
Fischbach, who died 25 October, elucidated the dynamic changes in neuromuscular junctions. Beyond the lab, he shaped careers, academic departments and scientific societies.
Remembering Gerry Fischbach, ‘orchestra conductor’ who brought scientists together
Fischbach, who died 25 October, elucidated the dynamic changes in neuromuscular junctions. Beyond the lab, he shaped careers, academic departments and scientific societies.
By
Claudia López Lloreda
29 October 2026 | 8 min read
WILD platform levels up ability to record brain activity, behavior in nature
The customizable rig combines multimodal recording, onboard processing and neuronal manipulation to power more complex experiments.
WILD platform levels up ability to record brain activity, behavior in nature
The customizable rig combines multimodal recording, onboard processing and neuronal manipulation to power more complex experiments.
By
Simon Makin
29 October 2026 | 6 min read
The relationship between structure and function in cortical networks
Michael Reimann explains how the shape of neurons puts strong constraints on how they are wired in a network, and how this affects their structure-function relationships.
The relationship between structure and function in cortical networks
Michael Reimann explains how the shape of neurons puts strong constraints on how they are wired in a network, and how this affects their structure-function relationships.
By
Gaute Einevoll
28 October 2026 | 138 min listen