Lecture � Campbell, theory theory

Greg Detre

21/02/02

 

general laws governing human behaviour under which behaviour/actions can be subsumed

OR why it seemed/was a good idea at the time � exhibiting rationality

 

theory theory

internally represented body of information (or mis-information)

 

what does it mean to have �tacit knowledge�, e.g. of explicit formulation of �if p then question, derive question, so bring about p�

there might be a single, common neural strucutre whenever such judgements are made

 

Paner(???) � �beliefs are connections to situations� � for young child

later � belief without relation to a representation which may be true or false

 

explanation/discovery in common sense psychology is analogous to science � but we have no theory of scientific progress (logic of discovery/undeterdetermination)

 

theory theory � depends on two analogies (in tension with each other):

tacit knowledge of a grammar (Chomsky) (modular)

scientific theorising (central system process)

 

alternative to theory theory � simulationo (Gordon, 1986)

apply �what shall I do now?� to other people, making adjustment for relevant differences

false belief test requires simulating someone with a different view of the world than one�s own

 

Dennett � computer model of a bridge

simulation is not an alternative to theorising unless process-driven

Goldman, 1989

Heal, 1986 � psychological explanation exhibits the rationality and reasons for an action, unlike scientific explanation

Gopnik � claimed that self-knowledge = just becoming an expert on theoretical explanation of your own behaviour

simulation theory cannot provide an account of your own beliefs + desires

�sad but wise� � subjects exaggerated the amount of control they had over a video game

you just don't know why you did certain things exactly sometimes

 

simulation of similar situations may have common neural structure = tacit knowledge � collapses into theory theory

 

Questions

surely it�s a strong arument in favour of the simulation argument that we�re better folk psychologists for people like us???

but what about people different from us that we know well???

bridge = very different to folk psychology about people

rationality vs simulation???

why on earth would you tihnk that behaviour can be simply coded in laws??? and if the laws are very complicated, what is the difference between the theory theory and simulation???