The Language of Thought: A New Philosophical Direction Reprint edition by Schneider, Susan (2015) Paperback

by Susan Schneider

The language of thought (LOT) approach to the nature of mind has beenhighly influential in cognitive science and the philosophy of mind; and yet, asSusan Schneider argues, its philosophical foundations are weak. In thisphilosophical refashioning of LOT and the related computational theory of mind(CTM), Schneider offers a different framework than has been developed by LOT andCTM's main architect, Jerry one that seeks integration with neuroscience, repudiates Fodor's pessimism about the capacity of cognitive science to explaincognition, embraces pragmatism, and advances a different approach to the nature ofconcepts, mental symbols, and modes of presentation. According to the LOT approach, conceptual thought is determined by the manipulation of mental symbols according toalgorithms. Schneider tackles three key problems that have plagued the LOT approachfor the computational nature of the central system (the system responsiblefor higher cognitive function); the nature of symbols; and Frege cases. To addressthese problems, ] Schneider develops a computational theory that is based on theGlobal Workspace approach; develops a theory of symbols, "the algorithmicview"; and brings her theory of symbols to bear on LOT's account of thecausation of thought and behavior. In the course of solving these problems, ]Schneider shows that LOT must make peace with both computationalism and pragmatism;indeed, the new conception of symbols renders LOT a pragmatist theory. And LOT mustturn its focus to cognitive and computational neuroscience for its naturalism tosucceed.

Genres: Philosophy, Linguistics

Paperback

First published April 29, 2011

About the author

SUSAN SCHNEIDER is a philosopher and cognitive scientist. She is the Blumberg-NASA chair at the Library of Congress and NASA and the Director of the AI,Mind and Society group at the University of Connecticut. Podcasts, chapters, videos, etc. are available at her website: Schneiderwebsite.com