Single Idea 4927

[catalogued under 18. Thought / B. Mechanics of Thought / 4. Language of Thought]

Full Idea

So-called information-processing views of the brain have been criticized because they typically assume the existence in the world of previously defined information, and often assume the existence of precise neural codes for which there is no evidence.

Gist of Idea

Information-processing views of the brain assume the existence of 'information', and dubious brain codes

Source

G Edelman / G Tononi (Consciousness: matter becomes imagination [2000], Ch.11)

Book Reference

Edelman,G/Tononi,G: 'Consciousness: how matter becomes imagination' [Penguin 2000], p.126


A Reaction

Fodor is the target here. Searle is keen that 'intrinsic intentionality' is required to see something as 'information'. It is hard to see how anything acquires significance as it flows through a mechanical process.