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Explaining how the mind works: on the relation between cognitive science and philosophy
Jonathan Trigg1, Michael Kalish
1Program in Philosophy, University of LouisiannaInstitute of Cognitive Science, University of Louisianna.
Topics in Cognitive Science
|August 29, 2014
Summary
Cognitive science theories face a dilemma: private language or mereological confusion. A new interpretation focuses on causal necessities for thinking, avoiding this philosophical problem.
Area of Science:
- Philosophy of Mind
- Cognitive Science
- Philosophy of Language
Background:
- Current cognitive science theories often present a dichotomy regarding the nature of cognition.
- This dichotomy forces a choice between theories reliant on private language and those involving mereological confusions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose an alternative interpretation of cognitive science's aims.
- To demonstrate that this interpretation avoids the forced choice between private language and mereological confusions.
- To re-evaluate the role of philosophical theorizing within cognitive science.
Main Methods:
- Philosophical argumentation drawing on Wittgensteinian concepts.
- Analysis of the aims and nature of theories of cognition.
- Distinction between explaining what thinking is and identifying causal necessities for thinking.
Main Results:
- A prevalent interpretation of cognitive science leads to a problematic forced choice.
- An alternative interpretation, focusing on causal necessities for intelligent creatures to think, resolves this dilemma.
- Traditional problems in the philosophy of mind are re-characterized as chimerical.
Conclusions:
- The aims of cognitive science can be plausibly interpreted without recourse to private language or mereological confusions.
- A therapeutic philosophical approach can clarify the scope and limitations of theorizing in cognitive science.
- The focus should shift from defining cognition to understanding its causal underpinnings in intelligent systems.
Keywords:
CognitionHackerMental representationMereological fallacyPersonhoodPrivate languageThinkingWittgensteinMore Related Videos
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