An Introduction to Mind, Consciousness and Language

This is an introductory textbook explaining the interaction between the mind, consciousness and language. This textbook is a comprehensive introduction to the relationship between the mind, consciousness and language. The book examines the key concepts from both philosophy and linguistics, including the mind/body problem, reformulates Descartes' "I think therefore I am", analyses Skinner's behaviourist position, Chomsky's transformational grammar, Fodor's representational theory of meaning, and the basics of connectionism. Difficult concepts and terms are explained succinctly, in a jargon-free manner. The student-friendly features include: text boxes on key thinkers, such as Chomsky, Fodor and Skinner; summaries of key ideas, such as behaviourism and connectionism; chapter summaries to aid student navigation of the book; suggestions for further reading; and a glossary of terms. This fascinating textbook is essential reading for students of cognitive linguistics, philosophy and psychology.