Customer Reviews

In Critical Condition: Polemical Essays on Cognitive Science and the Philosophy of Mind (Representation and Mind)

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For a collections of reviews this book is outrageously entertaining, showing that, in many ways, Fodor is at his very best when he directs a critical gaze at the work of others. Very few academics write honestly, but Fodor does, and with great dramatic effect and a distinct voice. I myself disagree with him on many points, but his slaying of many monsters (and pseudomonsters who label themselves "cognitive scientists")is a timely effort. By the way, from personal experience I know that some of those criticized in this volume were badly hurt indeed, and speak of Fodor with intense hatred. This, if anything, shows the force of Fodor's arguments.

I enjoyed this book immensely. Although I disagree with Fodor on a number of points, his clarity and candor allow one to see where his viewpoints might diverge from yours. In addition, his style is so irreverent that it makes him the most exciting scientific writer I have encountered. The opening of the review of Paul Churchland's book was priceless.

Fodor once again proves that he has no new ideas and should retire. Better minds, scientific minds, will succeed where Fodor always fails. The most non-cognitive of nonsense.