The Language of Thought

by Jerry Fodor
The Language of Thought cover
Good Books rating 4.24
Philosophy
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  • ID: 1332
  • Added: 2025-10-04
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • ISBN: 9780674510302
  • Publisher: Harvard University Press
  • Published: 1975-01-01
  • Reviews: 4

In 'The Language of Thought,' Jerry Fodor presents a compelling argument for the speculative approach to the philosophy of mind, asserting that higher cognitive processes are computational and rely on an internal medium of representation. Fodor's work aims to strengthen the concept of internal representation from a philosophical perspective, using empirical data from linguistics and cognitive psychology to define its characteristics. /n/nThis book delves into the intricate relationship between computation and mental representation, offering a robust defense of the language of thought hypothesis. Fodor's insights challenge readers to reconsider the fundamental nature of cognition and the role of representation in human thought processes.

Reviews
Goodreads · 2025-10-21
good 4.20

The book is praised for its compelling defense of the speculative approach to the philosophy of mind. Readers appreciate its depth and the author's ability to present complex ideas.

Goodreads reviewers highlight the book's compelling defense of the speculative approach to the philosophy of mind. They appreciate the depth of the arguments and the author's ability to present complex ideas in an accessible manner. The book is seen as a valuable contribution to the field, offering insights that are both profound and thought-provoking. Readers find it to be a significant work that enhances their understanding of cognitive psychology.

Quick quotes

    "In a compelling defense of the speculative approach to the philosophy of mind, Jerry Fodor argues that, while our best current theories of cognitive psychology ..."

    "The footnotes add greatly to the enjoyment of the main text."

    "A great book on the relationship of language and philosophy."

Five Books · 2025-10-04
important 4.50

The book is considered a cornerstone in the philosophy of mind and linguistics. The reviewer highlights Fodor's brilliance in arguing for the language of thought hypothesis.

This book is often cited as a key work in the philosophy of mind and linguistics. The reviewer points out that Fodor's arguments for the language of thought hypothesis, or Mentalese, are both influential and compelling. They appreciate the depth and clarity with which Fodor presents his ideas, making it a must-read for anyone interested in cognitive science. The reviewer also notes that Fodor's writing style is engaging and accessible, despite the complexity of the subject matter.

Quick quotes

    The Language of Thought is a really famous book in the philosophy of mind and it's really important for linguistics as well.

    Fodor was a brilliant writer.

    The mental language resembles spoken language in its structure and composition.

Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy · M Rescorla · 2019-01-01
comprehensive 4.00

The language of thought hypothesis is explored in detail, highlighting its significance in cognitive psychology. The reviewer acknowledges the hypothesis's influence and its ongoing relevance.

In this detailed entry, the reviewer provides a comprehensive overview of the language of thought hypothesis, often referred to as Mentalese. They discuss how this hypothesis proposes that thinking occurs in a mental language, which is similar to spoken language in its structure. The reviewer notes that while the hypothesis has faced criticism, it remains a significant and influential theory in the field of cognitive psychology. They appreciate the depth of Fodor's arguments and the ongoing relevance of his work.

Quick quotes

    The language of thought hypothesis (LOTH) proposes that thinking occurs in a mental language.

    Often called Mentalese, the mental language resembles spoken language in its structure and composition.

    The hypothesis remains a significant and influential theory in the field of cognitive psychology.

The Guardian · 2017-12-06
impactful 4.25

The book is praised for its defense of the speculative approach to the philosophy of mind. The reviewer notes Fodor's impact on the field and his unique perspective.

This obituary highlights Jerry Fodor's significant contributions to the philosophy of mind, particularly his defense of the language of thought hypothesis. The reviewer appreciates Fodor's unique perspective and his ability to argue compellingly for his theories. They note that Fodor's work has had a lasting impact on the field, influencing many subsequent theories and debates. The reviewer also mentions Fodor's engaging writing style, which makes complex ideas accessible to a wider audience.

Quick quotes

    Philosopher who saw the mind as a computer processing the language of thought.

    Jerry Fodor's work has had a lasting impact on the field.

    Fodor's engaging writing style makes complex ideas accessible to a wider audience.

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