The dynamical hypothesis in cognitive science
Tim van GelderDepartment of Philosophy, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia. [email protected]
1998en
ABI
Abstract
According to the dominant computational approach in cognitive science, cognitive agents are digital computers; according to the alternative approach, they are dynamical systems. This target article attempts to articulate and support the dynamical hypothesis. The dynamical hypothesis has two major components: the nature hypothesis (cognitive agents are dynamical systems) and the knowledge hypothesis (cognitive agents can be understood dynamically). A wide range of objections to this hypothesis can be rebutted. The conclusion is that cognitive systems may well be dynamical systems, and only sustained empirical research in cognitive science will determine the extent to which that is true.
Identifiers
Citations and references
Cited by 270 references