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Psychosemantics: The Problem of Meaning in the Philosophy of Mind (Explorations in Cognitive Science)

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If you know much about the philosophy of mind, then you already know that Psychosemantics is a high-water mark for one thread of debate about belief-desire psychology. If you do not yet know much about the field, this book is very strongly recommended, with two important caveats. First, it is biased. Fodor is not trying to educate; he's trying to persuade, and he does this in part by offering characterizations of his opponents' views that they would not always recognize. Second, Fodor's style is misleadingly accessible. He is funny and casual, catching himself with (almost, but not quite) the same barbs the he levels at his opponents. But his arguments -- even the humour -- presumes a very considerable knowledge of philosophy and psychology. This is a book to be read in conjunction with a pretty thorough introduction, for the novice. A companion to metaphysics would be a good idea!

Fodor does not give arguments in this book. He is merely stating his opinion on issues in philosophy of mind. Why is this guy getting so many MIT Press, Harv. U. Press contracts?