Mindware: An Introduction to the Philosophy of Cognitive Science - Hardcover

Clark, Andy

3.83

321 ratings by Goodreads

9780195138566: Mindware: An Introduction to the Philosophy of Cognitive Science

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0195138562 ISBN 13: 9780195138566

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 2000

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Mindware is an introductory text with a difference. In eight short chapters it tells a story and invites the reader to join in some up-to-the-minute conceptual discussion of the key issues, problems, and opportunities in cognitive science. The story is about the search for a cognitive scientific understanding of mind. It is presented as a no-holds-barred journey from early work in Artificial Intelligence, through connectionist (artificial neural network) counter-visions, and onto neuroscience artificial life, dynamics and robotics. The journey ends with some wide-ranging and provacative speculation about the role of technology and the changing nature of the human mind itself. Each chapter is organized as an initial sketch of a research program or theme, followed by a substantial discussion section in which specific problems and issues (both familiear and cutting-edge) are raised and pursued. Discussion topics include mental causation, the hardware/software distinction, the relations between life and mind, the nature of perception, cognition and action, and the continuity (or otherwise) of high-level human intelligence with other forms of adaptive response. Classic topics are treated alongside the newer ones in an integrated treatment of the various discussions. The sketches and discussions are accompanied by numerous figures and boxed sections, and followed by suggestions for futher reading.

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About the Author:

Andy Clark is at University of Sussex, England.

Review:

"A lively whirlwind tour of emerging issues in cognitive science. Definitely a 'no-holds-barred journey' that engages the reader immediately and is sure to challenge students and researchers alike. The numerous recommendations for further reading and the appendix on consciousness are great
bonuses."--Bryan Benham, University of Utah

"A good and easy introduction to cognitive science."-- Piero Scaruffi, Thymos.com

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