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Language-of-thought hypothesis: Wrong, but sometimes useful?
Adina L Roskies1, Colin Allen2
1Department of Philosophy, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA adina.roskies@dartmouth.edu, https://faculty-directory.dartmouth.edu/adina-l-roskies.
The Behavioral and Brain Sciences
|September 28, 2023
Summary
The language-of-thought hypothesis (LoTH) is debated, with proponents viewing it as the leading explanation. This study argues LoTH is a useful abstraction, not a perfect model of cognitive processes.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Science
- Philosophy of Mind
- Linguistics
Background:
- The language-of-thought hypothesis (LoTH) is a prominent theory in cognitive science.
- Quilty-Dunn et al. advocate for LoTH as the primary framework for understanding cognition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically evaluate the language-of-thought hypothesis.
- To propose an alternative perspective on LoTH's utility and limitations.
Main Methods:
- Philosophical argumentation
- Conceptual analysis
- Critique of existing theories
Main Results:
- LoTH is presented not as a definitive model, but as one of several potential explanatory frameworks.
- The utility of LoTH is acknowledged as a pragmatic abstraction over complex cognitive mechanisms.
- LoTH's limitations are highlighted when compared to the full requirements of a "language of thought".
Conclusions:
- LoTH, while useful, is an imperfect model of cognitive processes.
- The pragmatic value of LoTH lies in its abstractive power over underlying mechanisms.
- Further research should explore alternative or complementary models to LoTH.
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