Selmer Bringsjord (1998) Domain-independent Abstract Mediating States are a Function of Education . Psycoloquy: 9(85) Representation Mediation (14)
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Psycoloquy 9(85): Domain-independent Abstract Mediating States are a Function of Education

DOMAIN-INDEPENDENT ABSTRACT MEDIATING STATES ARE A FUNCTION OF EDUCATION
Commentary on Markman-Dietrich on Representation-Mediation

Selmer Bringsjord
Department of Philosophy, Psychology & Cognitive Science
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Troy NY 12180
http://www.rpi.edu/~brings

selmer@rpi.edu

Abstract

Markman & Dietrich (1998a) repeat that domain-independent abstract mediating (DIAM) states are rare, as if this somehow creates problems for the position I introduced (Bringsjord, 1998a). This is incorrect. One can cheerfully affirm that DIAM states are rare, but WHY are they so? Markman & Dietrich (and everyone else thinking and writing about such matters in cognitive science) seem to think the answer involves the nature of cognizers. This too is incorrect. That domain-independent abstract mediating states are rare is due to the way we accidentally educate our youth.

Keywords

compositionality, computation, connectionism, discrete states, dynamic Systems, explanation, information, meaning, mediating states, representation, rules, semantic Content symbols

References