The Mind’s New Science: A History of the Cognitive Revolution – Howard Gardner – 1985, Basic Books
What the Book Explores
Howard Gardner’s The Mind’s New Science chronicles the intellectual history of the cognitive revolution, a paradigm shift in how we understand the human mind. The book traces the development of cognitive science from its philosophical roots – examining figures like Descartes, Locke, and Kant – through its emergence as a distinct field in the mid-20th century. Gardner details the contributions of various disciplines – linguistics (Noam Chomsky), computer science (Alan Turing), neuroscience, anthropology, and psychology – and how their convergence led to new perspectives on intelligence, language, memory, and the very nature of thought. He argues that the initial focus on a singular, generalized intelligence was too limiting, and outlines his own theory of multiple intelligences as a more nuanced framework.
Historical / Cultural Context
Published in 1985, Gardner’s work appeared at a pivotal moment. Behaviorism had long dominated psychological thought, emphasizing observable behaviors and dismissing the study of internal mental processes as unscientific. The cognitive revolution, spurred by advances in information theory and the development of computers, offered a new methodology for investigating the “black box” of the mind. The Mind’s New Science provides a historical context for understanding this shift, detailing the challenges faced by early cognitive scientists as they sought to establish their field. It situates the revolution within broader intellectual and cultural currents, including the rise of cybernetics and the growing interest in artificial intelligence. The book reflects the late 20th-century preoccupation with understanding information processing and the potential for creating intelligent machines.
Who This Book Is For
This book is geared towards readers with a general interest in the history of psychology and cognitive science. It’s accessible to those without a formal background in these fields, as Gardner writes in a clear and engaging style. However, it’s also valuable for academic audiences, providing a comprehensive overview of the key figures, concepts, and debates that shaped the cognitive revolution. Those interested in the philosophy of mind, linguistics, and the intersection of science and culture will also find this work illuminating. It’s particularly relevant for understanding the foundations of modern approaches to education and learning, given Gardner’s exploration of intelligence.
Further Reading
- Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman: Explores the two systems of thought that drive the way we think.
- The Society of Mind by Marvin Minsky: Offers a computational approach to understanding intelligence.
- Descartes’ Error: Emotion, Reason, and the Human Brain by Antonio Damasio: Investigates the role of emotions in rational decision-making.
Disclaimer.
Oraclepedia is an independent educational and cultural project. The material presented explores myths, belief systems, symbolic traditions, and aspects of human perception from historical, cultural, and psychological perspectives.
Content is provided for informational and reflective purposes only and does not promote specific beliefs, spiritual practices, or ideological positions. Interpretations presented reflect scholarly, cultural, or symbolic analysis rather than factual claims about the natural world.