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Layers in the Fabric of Mind: A Critical Review of Cognitive Ontogeny

Nagarjuna, G. (2006) Layers in the Fabric of Mind: A Critical Review of Cognitive Ontogeny. [Conference Paper] (In Press)

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Abstract

The essay is critically examines the conceptual problems with the influential modularity model of mind. We shall see that one of the essential characters of modules, namely informational encapsulation, is not only inessential, it ties a knot at a crucial place blocking the solution to the problem of understanding the formation of concepts from percepts (nodes of procedural knowledge). Subsequently I propose that concept formation takes place by modulation of modules leading to cross-representations, which were otherwise prevented by encapsulation. It must be noted that the argument is not against modular architecture, but a variety of an architecture that prevents interaction among modules. This is followed by a brief argument demonstrating that module without modularization, i.e. without developmental history, is impossible. Finally the emerging picture of cognitive development is drawn in the form of the layers in the fabric of mind, with a brief statement of the possible implications.

Item Type:Conference Paper
Keywords:modularity, Fodor, Chomsky, informational encapsulation, concept formation, conscious cognition, implicit knowledge, explicit knowledge, Karmiloff-Smith, Piaget
Subjects:Psychology > Developmental Psychology
Psychology > Cognitive Psychology
Philosophy > Philosophy of Mind
Psychology > Evolutionary Psychology
Philosophy > Epistemology
ID Code:4897
Deposited By: G., Nagarjuna
Deposited On:30 May 2006
Last Modified:11 Mar 2011 08:56

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