Why the Mind Is Not a Computer: A Pocket Lexicon of Neuromythology

by Raymond Tallis

Overview

The equation "Mind = Machine" is false. This pocket lexicon of "neuromythology" shows why. Taking a series of key words such as calculation, language, information and memory, Professor Tallis shows how their misuse has a lured a whole generation into accepting the computational model of the mind. First of all these words were used literally in the description of the human mind. Then computer scientists applied them metaphorically to the workings of their machines. And finally, their metaphorical status forgotten, the use of the terms was called as evidence of artificial intelligence in machines and the computational nature of conscious thought.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781845405342
Publisher:	Andrews UK
Publication date:	08/21/2013
Series:	Societas , #7
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	863 KB

About the Author

Raymond Tallis was professor of geriatric medicine at the University of Manchester until he left to become a full-time writer in 2006.

Editorial Reviews

"Raymond Tallis is a splendid exception to the helpless specialisation of our age, being a professor of gerontology who writes clear and useful philosophy. . . . He aims his philosophy at a target that needs it terribly, namely the confused and lazy-minded scientism that blocks our attempts to talk sense about human consciousness." - Mary Midgley, Times Higher Education Supplement."Here is a work of radical clarity. . . . Tallis takes some of the most cherished concepts and exposes the muddles perpetuated by the cognitive science community. . . . It is a welcome astringent to some of the more vacuous approaches in the discipline." - Paul Rogers, Journal of Consciousness Studies."A superb set of accessible and provocative reminders concerning the subtleties involved in our use of language, symbols, signs, and the limitations upon their use when positing explanations (as opposed to merely descriptions) of mental phenomena. Together with the texts listed in the bibliography, I would envisage critical use of Tallis' various lexicon entries providing great tutorial discussion material for psychology, philosophy, and cognitive neuroscience majors alike. I thus strongly recommend this book for its advice to all in search of an explanation (rather than merely a representational redescription) of the phenomenon of human consciousness." Tony Dickinson, Metapsychology "Tallis explores this sleight of hand with masterly verve so that readers need never be fooled again." Network

From the Publisher

"Raymond Tallis is a splendid exception to the helpless specialisation of our age, being a professor of gerontology who writes clear and useful philosophy... He aims his philosophy at a target that needs it terribly, namely the confused and lazy-minded scientism that blocks our attempts to talk sense about human consciousness."

Times Higher Education Supplement - Mary Midgley

"Here is a work of radical clarity... Tallis takes some of the most cherished concepts and exposes the muddles perpetuated by the cognitive science community... It is a welcome astringent to some of the more vacuous approaches in the discipline."

Journal of Consciousness Studies - Paul Rogers

"A superb set of accessible and provocative reminders concerning the subtleties involved in our use of language, symbols, signs, and the limitations upon their use when positing explanations (as opposed to merely descriptions) of mental phenomena. Together with the texts listed in the bibliography, I would envisage critical use of Tallis' various lexicon entries providing great tutorial discussion material for psychology, philosophy, and cognitive neuroscience majors alike. I thus strongly recommend this book for its advice to all in search of an explanation (rather than merely a representational redescription) of the phenomenon of human consciousness."

Metapsychology - Tony Dickinson

"Tallis explores this sleight of hand with masterly verve so that readers need never be fooled again."

Network Review