#96 Systems Neuroscience and Why Automaticity Matters for Cognitive Evolution with Mac Shine

Send a love message Find Mac at https://macshine.github.io/publications/ Mac’s Lab: https://profiles.sydney.edu.au/mac.shine The Brain Inspired conversation Andrea mentions. Mac Shine on Systems Neuroscience, Automaticity, and the Cerebellum’s Role in Human Cognition. In discussion with Andrea Hiott. University of Sydney systems neuroscientist Mac Shine in conversation about systems neuroscience and the challenge of linking single-neuron explanations with whole-brain network accounts. Shine describes his path from evolutionary biology influences and medical training to a search for simplified, cross-scale principles in brain science, noting how terminology like “representation” or “integration” can hinder communication across disciplines. They discuss his 2014 paper “Delegation to Automaticity,” inspired by observing his son learn to walk, which argues that cerebellar architecture supports the delegation of difficult skills into automatic control, freeing resources for higher-level cognition and potentially shaping human cognitive evolution alongside bipedalism. Shine contrasts basal ganglia habit findings with cerebellar predictive control, uses driving and chess to illustrate deliberate versus automatic processes, and emphasizes embodiment, learning through struggle, and collaborative, caring lab culture. 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 00:27 Automaticity and Evolution Teaser 02:48 Why This Conversation Matters 05:02 What Is Systems Neuroscience 10:24 Mac’s Path Into Systems Thinking 18:42 Language Gaps Across Fields 26:15 Are We Assuming Cognition 33:35 Delegation to Automaticity Paper 37:19 Cerebellum as Automation Engine 46:09 Bipedalism and Coevolving Mind Body 47:29 Bipedalism And Cognition 50:05 Natural Selection Good Enough 52:37 Frozen Accidents And Delegation 55:06 Humans Adapt Not Excel 58:33 Repetition To Automaticity 01:00:19 Habit Versus Automatic 01:08:18 Driving And Chess Layers 01:16:18 Beyond Motor Cognition 01:21:57 Flow States And Expertise 01:27:26 Scientific Humility Ethos 01:29:16 Curiosity Over Credit 01:30:57 AI And The Value Of Being Wrong 01:33:07 Learning Through Struggle 01:37:59 Embodiment And Driving 01:40:56 Cerebellum Body Brain Coupling 01:48:14 Expertise Through Variation 01:53:31 Lab Curiosity And Next Questions 01:59:49 Care Love And Leadership 02:04:44 Closing Reflections Support the show Buy Holding Paradox: The Navigational Approach to Mind and Consciousness by Andrea Hiott Sign up for Making Ways newsletter and projects. Please rate and review with love. YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Substack.