Mind and language : evolution in contemporary theories of cognition
Date
2006-12
Authors
De Villiers, Tanya
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch
Abstract
This thesis gives an historical overview of some of the issues connecting philosophy
of mind and philosophy of langauge in the twentieth century, especially with regard to the
relevance of both disciplines to theories of cognition. Specifically, the interrelation between
the theories of Peirce,Chomsky, Derrida, and Deacon are discussed. Furthermore, an
overview of twentieth century views on mind in both philosophy and the cognitive sciences is
given. The argument is made that many of the apparently insurmountable issues that plague
theories on mind and cognition today can be traced back to the metaphysical mould into
which the philosophical questions at issue here were cast. Also, despite current resistance to
the idea from many philosophical quarters, a case is made for approaching language and
mind in terms of neo-Darwinist evolutionary theory.
Description
Thesis (DPhil (Philosophy))--University of Stellenbosch, 2006.
Keywords
Mind, Peirce, Charles S.(Charles Sanders),1839-1914, Chomsky, Noam, Derrida, Jacques, Deacon, Terrence William, Philosophy of mind -- History -- 20th century, Language and languages -- Philosophy -- History -- 20th century, Cognition -- Philosophy, Evolution, Dissertations -- Philosophy, Theses -- Philosophy