How to Build a Theory in Cognitive Science

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State University of New York Press, Apr 4, 1996 - Philosophy - 259 pages
How to Build a Theory in Cognitive Science specifies the characteristics of fruitful interdisciplinary theories in cognitive science and shows how they differ from the successful theories in the individual disciplines composing the cognitive sciences. It articulates a method for integrating the various disciplines successfully so that unified, truly interdisciplinary theories are possible.

This book makes three contributions of utmost importance. First, it provides a long overdue, systematic examination of the field of cognitive science itself. Second, it provides a template for linking domains without loss of autonomy. This philosophical treatment of integration serves as a blueprint for future endeavors. Third, the book provides a solid theoretical foundation that will prevent future missteps and enhance collaboration.
 

Contents

The Dilemma of Mental Causality
13
Hierarchies in the Brain
33
Reductionism in the Cognitive Sciences
85
The Dual Memory Hypothesis and the Structure
105
The Timing of Priming150
150
Bridge Sciences169
169
Cognitive Science and the Semantic View
175
Notes
181
References
205
Index
241
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About the author (1996)

Valerie Gray Hardcastle is Assistant Professor in the Department of Philosophy at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

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