Mind and language : evolution in contemporary theories of cognition

[摘要] This thesis gives an historical overview of some of the issues connecting philosophyof mind and philosophy of langauge in the twentieth century, especially with regard to therelevance of both disciplines to theories of cognition. Specifically, the interrelation betweenthe theories of Peirce,Chomsky, Derrida, and Deacon are discussed. Furthermore, anoverview of twentieth century views on mind in both philosophy and the cognitive sciences isgiven. The argument is made that many of the apparently insurmountable issues that plaguetheories on mind and cognition today can be traced back to the metaphysical mould intowhich the philosophical questions at issue here were cast. Also, despite current resistance tothe idea from many philosophical quarters, a case is made for approaching language andmind in terms of neo-Darwinist evolutionary theory.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University