The Language of Thought: A New Philosophical Direction

Abstract

The language of thought (LOT) approach to nature of mind has been highly influential in cognitive science and philosophy of mind; and yet, as Susan Schneider argues, its philosophical foundations are weak. In this philosophical refashioning of LOT and related computational theory of mind (CTM), Schneider offers a different framework than has been developed by LOT and CTM's main architect, Jerry Fodor: one that seeks integration with neuroscience, repudiates Fodor's pessimism about capacity of cognitive science to explain cognition, embraces pragmatism, and advances a different approach to nature of concepts, mental symbols, and modes of presentation. According to LOT approach, conceptual thought is determined by manipulation of mental symbols according to algorithms. Schneider tackles three key problems that have plagued LOT approach for decades: computational nature of central system (the system responsible for higher cognitive function); nature of symbols; and Frege cases. To address these problems,] Schneider develops a computational theory that is based on Global Workspace approach; develops a theory of symbols, the algorithmic view; and brings her theory of symbols to bear on LOT's account of causation of thought and behavior. In course of solving these problems, Schneider shows that LOT must make peace with both computationalism and pragmatism; indeed, new conception of symbols renders LOT a pragmatist theory. And LOT must turn its focus to cognitive and computational neuroscience for its naturalism to succeed.

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