The Scope of Cognitive Science

The degree to which cognitive science as currently conceived can aspire to be the science of mind is a difficult issue.

An Integrated Approach

Proposing an integrated approach to cognitive science, this revised edition of The Search For Mind has been updated to meet the newest developments of this rapidly changing field.

Disciplinary Foundations

The first part of this book constitutes clear introductions to the disciplines that traditionally are seen to constitute cognitive science (namely: Philosophy, Psychology, Linguistics, Neuroscience, Artificial Intelligence and Ethnology).

Symbol Systems and Consciousness

The second section focuses on the nature of symbol systems, considered generically, and goes on to detail a theory of consciousness and selfhood.

Theories of Cognition

The two strands are woven together into a new theory of cognition and its development.

Conclusion

Ó Nualláin concludes that a science that fully attempts to treat cognition must remain au fait with the findings from all other approaches to the study of mind, from the purely behaviorist to the purely experiential.