more from Jerry A. Fodor

Single Idea 2988

[catalogued under 18. Thought / A. Modes of Thought / 4. Folk Psychology]

Full Idea

Commonsense belief/desire psychology explains vastly more of the facts about behaviour than any of the alternative theories available. It could hardly fail to; there are no alternative theories available.

Gist of Idea

Folk psychology is the only explanation of behaviour we have

Source

Jerry A. Fodor (Psychosemantics [1987], p.x)

Book Reference

Fodor,Jerry A.: 'Psychosemantics' [MIT 1993], p.-7


A Reaction

The alternative view wouldn't expect a clear-cut theory, because it deals with the endless complexity of brain events. The charge is that Fodor and co oversimplify their account, in their desperation for a 'theory'.