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Conceptual and empirical problems with game theoretic approaches to language evolution.
Jeffrey Watumull1, Marc D Hauser2
1Department of Theoretical and Applied Linguistics, University of Cambridge Cambridge, UK.
Frontiers in Psychology
|March 29, 2014
Summary
Game theory models for language evolution are problematic, conflating mechanism with function and lacking empirical support. These models have not advanced understanding of language origins or its specific features.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Linguistics
- Game theory
Background:
- Game theoretic models are crucial in evolutionary theory, explaining cooperation, mating, and aggression.
- These models have been applied to the evolution of language over the past decade.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically evaluate the application of game theoretic models to language evolution.
- To identify conceptual and empirical limitations in current models.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of existing game theoretic models of language evolution.
- Identification of conflation between language mechanism and function.
- Assessment of assumptions regarding fitness functions and initial system states.
Main Results:
- Current game theoretic models of language evolution are conceptually confused and empirically deficient.
- Models conflate the computational mechanisms of language with its communicative function.
- Models lack empirical studies and make unsubstantiated assumptions about fitness and origins.
Conclusions:
- Game theoretic models have failed to explain the evolution of language, its representations, or computations.
- Suggestions are provided to improve the empirical contributions of game theory to language evolution research.
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