Conceptual Flux

Mental Representation, Misrepresentation, and Concept Change

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy, Reference, Mind & Body
Cover of the book Conceptual Flux by M. Perlman, Springer Netherlands
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: M. Perlman ISBN: 9789401594622
Publisher: Springer Netherlands Publication: April 17, 2013
Imprint: Springer Language: English
Author: M. Perlman
ISBN: 9789401594622
Publisher: Springer Netherlands
Publication: April 17, 2013
Imprint: Springer
Language: English

How can one think about a thing, think something false about it, and still be thinking about that thing at all? If a concept is applied to something outside its meaning, how are we to say it does not mean that thing as well? The problem of misrepresentation is one of the central issues in contemporary philosophy of mind. Here, Mark Perlman criticizes the way all contemporary theories of mental representation seek to account for misrepresentation, concluding that it cannot be explained naturistically. Specifically, Perlman evaluates and criticizes the theories of mental content proposed by Fodor, Dretske, Millikan, Block, Harman and others, as well as examining verificationist approaches to meaning of Quine, Davidson and Stich.
The book goes much further than criticism, however: Perlman formulates a naturalistic theory of representation that reluctantly accepts the unfortunate conclusion that there is no misrepresentation. He adds a pragmatic theory of content, which explains apparent misrepresentation as concept change. Mental representations can be good or bad in specific contexts and for specific purposes, but their correctness is not a matter of truth and falsity. The pragmatic approach to mental content has implications for epistemology, theories of truth, metaphysics, psychology, and AI (specifically connectionist networks).
Readership: One of the most thorough examinations of mental representation and meaning holism available, this book should be read by everyone interested in the mind and how ideas can have meaning. It crosses boundaries from philosophy into psychology, linguistics, AI and cognitive science.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

How can one think about a thing, think something false about it, and still be thinking about that thing at all? If a concept is applied to something outside its meaning, how are we to say it does not mean that thing as well? The problem of misrepresentation is one of the central issues in contemporary philosophy of mind. Here, Mark Perlman criticizes the way all contemporary theories of mental representation seek to account for misrepresentation, concluding that it cannot be explained naturistically. Specifically, Perlman evaluates and criticizes the theories of mental content proposed by Fodor, Dretske, Millikan, Block, Harman and others, as well as examining verificationist approaches to meaning of Quine, Davidson and Stich.
The book goes much further than criticism, however: Perlman formulates a naturalistic theory of representation that reluctantly accepts the unfortunate conclusion that there is no misrepresentation. He adds a pragmatic theory of content, which explains apparent misrepresentation as concept change. Mental representations can be good or bad in specific contexts and for specific purposes, but their correctness is not a matter of truth and falsity. The pragmatic approach to mental content has implications for epistemology, theories of truth, metaphysics, psychology, and AI (specifically connectionist networks).
Readership: One of the most thorough examinations of mental representation and meaning holism available, this book should be read by everyone interested in the mind and how ideas can have meaning. It crosses boundaries from philosophy into psychology, linguistics, AI and cognitive science.

More books from Springer Netherlands

Cover of the book In vitro screening of plant resources for extra-nutritional attributes in ruminants: nuclear and related methodologies by M. Perlman
Cover of the book The Pacific Arctic Region by M. Perlman
Cover of the book Global Food Insecurity by M. Perlman
Cover of the book The Science of Cities and Regions by M. Perlman
Cover of the book Future Risks and Risk Management by M. Perlman
Cover of the book Business Associations and the Financing of Political Parties by M. Perlman
Cover of the book Clay Microstructure by M. Perlman
Cover of the book Digestive Physiology and Metabolism in Ruminants by M. Perlman
Cover of the book Access Surgery by M. Perlman
Cover of the book Handbook of Children’s Literacy by M. Perlman
Cover of the book Thermal analysis of Micro, Nano- and Non-Crystalline Materials by M. Perlman
Cover of the book Biophysics and Structure to Counter Threats and Challenges by M. Perlman
Cover of the book Renaissance Averroism and Its Aftermath: Arabic Philosophy in Early Modern Europe by M. Perlman
Cover of the book Inference, Method and Decision by M. Perlman
Cover of the book Active Ageing, Active Learning by M. Perlman
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy