January 22, 2001

The outline for the class is:

1. Introduction to the instructor
2. Class information sheet completed
3. Review of the syllabus
4. Overview of the field
5. Fodor's two-phase explanation
   • Phase 1: the development of a theory of the internal states of an organism such that
     1. the terms of the theory which don't refer to behavior are functionally characterized and
     2. the theory is capable of adequately predicting the behavior of the organism given a knowledge of the current stimulus situation
     This is a functional characterization of the internal states.
   • Phase 2: Phase 1 is incomplete because no claim is made about the mechanisms underlying the internal states. Only our ingenuity limits the number of mechanisms we could devise.
     This is a mechanism which embodies the functional states.

   Explanation in psychology, then, consists of a phase 1 theory and a determination of which model of the theory the nervous system of the organism represents. Neither account is adequate without the other.

6. Chomsky video: Language and Mind (see Articles for reference. We did not view the Q&A, only the 50 minute lecture).

Parting Thoughts

• Recall there are readings on reserve, in addition to the text.
• Assignment #1 is due in class on January 29, 2001.

Self-test Questions

• from Kurt Salzinger, Pleasing Linuists: A Parable, JVLVB, 9, 725.

  And the linguist said, "Our truths are universal truths for from them we can generate all sentences particular and none of them impossible, except, of course, the non-sentences which speakers really say." As the trouble with actual speech is that it is too remote from people's competence for talking, the linguist continued, "People's behavior does not adhere to rules and meta-rules - only their competence does."

  As there is this seeming gap between knowledge of language and use of language, What does it mean to explain language? What must be accomplished if we are to do that?