Paradigmenwechsel und Paradigmenstreit in der Neurophysiologie der Motorik

A review is given of the theoretical trends in modern neurophysiology of motor control. Three periods are distinguished to which paradigmatic basic concepts, in the sense of Th. Kuhn, can be assigned. The main exponents of these concepts, their ideological background and their critics are briefly presented. Detailed consideration is given to the present controversial discussions on the basic understanding of the psycho-mental processes in the brain. Here, the old struggle between dualists and monists has awakened to new life. Recently, science itself has discovered fundamental limitations to the epistemological capacities of the human mind, which indicate a "metatheoretical ambiguity" of natural occurrences. This allows for several different (but provisional) interpretations even of human thought and action, which, however, remain ultimately unresolved.