On explaining and understanding cognitive behaviour

Abstract

Objective

To show that experimental psychology can correlate physiological events and processes with behavioural manifestations, avowals and reports of thought and experience.

Method

Connective analysis.

Results

It is not necessary to establish a computational theory about the cognitive functions of human beings preparatory to an understanding of the functioning of the brain, for the latter is not dependent on the former. A theory of intellectual powers is not then required before making significant contributions to understanding the character of brain activity correlated with perhaps a necessary condition for the exercising of these powers. We consider these propositions in the context of the work of the cognitive psychologist Max Coltheart on theories of language comprehension. It is suggested that the different theories of reading he offers are anodyne descriptions of reading under laboratory conditions. Generalizations that this work leads to, such as ‘The reading system has direct access to the mental lexican’ do not constitute theories and such model building presented as an explanation only constitutes a redescription of the problem under consideration.

Conclusion

Human beings are living creatures with perceptual, volitional and affective powers informed by reason, behaving purposively and pursuing goals against a backdrop of social norms.

Key words:

• behaviour
• cognitive
• explanations
• mechanisms
• understanding