The case against synaptic plasticity as the brain’s basic memory mechanism

Abstract

Synaptic plasticity is widely considered to provide the neurobiological basis of learning and memory. From the perspective of “classical” cognitive science, this view cannot be upheld. Here, I summarise the argument against the synapse as the (sole) locus of memory and review recent neurobiological evidence reenforcing long-standing reservations.

Patrick C. Trettenbrein

Research Associate