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Rethinking the language of thought
Susan Schneider1, Matthew Katz2
1Department of Philosophy, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews. Cognitive Science
|August 25, 2015
Summary
This study explores the language of thought (LOT) program, a computational theory of mind. It addresses core issues like concepts and mental symbols, proposing solutions that extend beyond standard LOT models.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Science
- Philosophy of Mind
- Computational Theory
Background:
- The language of thought (LOT) program is an influential theory explaining the computational nature of cognition.
- Key aspects of LOT include its views on concepts, central system computation, and mental symbols.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of the language of thought (LOT) program.
- To examine LOT's positions on concepts, computation, and mental symbols.
- To identify and propose resolutions for longstanding problems within the LOT framework.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis of the language of thought (LOT) program.
- Review of existing literature on LOT, focusing on Jerry Fodor's contributions.
- Identification of challenges and proposal of solutions, some diverging from standard LOT.
Main Results:
- Discussion of LOT's core tenets regarding mental representation and computation.
- Highlighting persistent issues within the standard LOT model.
- Presentation of modified LOT approaches that address identified problems.
Conclusions:
- The standard LOT program faces significant challenges.
- Resolutions often require modifications or departures from Fodor's original formulation.
- Future research directions are identified for advancing computational theories of thought.
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