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Single Idea 2506

[from 'In a Critical Condition' by Jerry A. Fodor, in 16. Persons / B. Nature of the Self / 6. Self as Higher Awareness ]

Full Idea

If there is a community of computers living in my head, there had also better be somebody who is in charge; and, by God, it had better be me.

Gist of Idea

If I have a set of mental modules, someone had better be in charge of them!

Source

Jerry A. Fodor (In a Critical Condition [2000], Ch.17)

Book Reference

Fodor,Jerry A.: 'In Critical Condition' [MIT 2000], p.207


A Reaction

Dennett quotes this as a quaintly old-fashioned view. I agree quite strongly with Fodor, for reasons that Dennett should like - evolutionary ones. A mind is a useless tool without central co-ordination. What makes my long-term plans? It isn't anarchy!