Symbol manipulation: Alternatives to the computational view of mind

Abstract

Acquisition and manipulation of symbols are the fundamental constituents of cognitive activity, but modern information processing theory has not explored their basis sufficiently. Computationalism is the one modern approach that takes an explicit position in regard to symbol manipulation. We here explore some of the virtues of that approach and show its principal deficiency, which is to construe symbolization too narrowly, thereby blocking more adequate treatments of learning and acquisition of skills. Symbols come in many kinds; the different kinds allow for different representational capabilities. A proper sorting of symbols and an understanding of their different capabilities is prerequisite, and should be of the greatest benefit, to an account of cognitive processes.