Computational theories of mind, and Fodor's analysis of neural network behaviour

Author: Guarini, Marcello¹

Source: Journal of Experimental & Theoretical Artificial Intelligence, Volume 21, Number 2, June 2009 , pp. 137-153(17)

Publisher: Taylor and Francis Ltd

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Abstract:

The purpose of this paper is to examine critically Jerry Fodor's views of the limits of computational neural network approaches to understand intelligence. Fodor distinguishes between two different approaches to computationally modelling intelligence, and while he raises problems with both, he is more concerned with the approach taken by those who make use of neural network models of intelligence or cognition. Fodor's claims regarding neural networks are found wanting, and the implications of these shortcomings for computational modelling of cognition are discussed.

Keywords: cognition; computation; connectionism; Jerry Fodor; neural networks; semantics; syntax

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1080/09528130902723674

Affiliations: 1: Department of Philosophy, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON N9B 3P4, Canada

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