The Sequential Imperative
General Cognitive Principles and the Structure of Behaviour
Series:- Value Inquiry Book Series, Volume: 301
- Cognitive Science
In
The Sequential Imperative William Edmondson explains how deep study of linguistics – from phonetics to pragmatics – can be the basis for understanding the organization of behaviour in any organism with a brain. The work demonstrates that Cognitive Science needs to be anchored in a linguistic setting. Only then can Cognitive Scientists reach out to reconsider the nature of consciousness and to appreciate the functionality of all brains.
The core functionality of the brain – any brain, any species, any time – is delivery and management of the unavoidable bi-directional transformation between brain states and activity – the Sequential Imperative. Making it all work requires some general cognitive principles and close attention to detail. The book sets out the case in broad terms but also incorporates significant detail where necessary.
The core functionality of the brain – any brain, any species, any time – is delivery and management of the unavoidable bi-directional transformation between brain states and activity – the Sequential Imperative. Making it all work requires some general cognitive principles and close attention to detail. The book sets out the case in broad terms but also incorporates significant detail where necessary.
Biographical Note
William H. Edmondson Ph.D. (1974, Imperial College, London) is an Honorary Senior Research Fellow (School of Computer Science) at The University of Birmingham, UK. He has published on topics in Astrobiology, Cognitive Science, Speech Processing and Sign Language Linguistics.
Table of contents
Preface
List of Illustrations
Introduction
Introduction to Part 1
1 The Sequential Imperative – I
2 The Sequential Imperative – II
3 General Cognitive Principles
Introduction to Part 2
4 Structure in Language
5 Non-linear Phonology and Beyond
6 Building a Model
Introduction to Part 3
7 Management of the Sequential Imperative
8 Issues in Evolution and Language
9 Language and Consciousness: What is it like to be an
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Afterword
References
Index
List of Illustrations
Introduction
Part 1: The Sequential Imperative and the Functional Specification of the Brain
Introduction to Part 1
1 The Sequential Imperative – I
2 The Sequential Imperative – II
3 General Cognitive Principles
Part 2: Serving the Sequential Imperative
Introduction to Part 2
4 Structure in Language
5 Non-linear Phonology and Beyond
6 Building a Model
Part 3: Behaviour and Evolution – on and off Planet
Introduction to Part 3
7 Management of the Sequential Imperative
8 Issues in Evolution and Language
9 Language and Consciousness: What is it like to be an
Afterword
References
Index
Readership
The Sequential Imperative is of interest to Cognitive Science students, graduates, and researchers, especially linguists and philosophers. The well-informed general reader will find the material an interesting and challenging read.