Modularity

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What is modularity?

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Terms in this set (21)

Modularity is a way of dividing up the functions of the
mind with respect to specific domains of content.
Some likely candidates for modules of the mind:
• visual perception
• spatial orientation
• scientific/logical reasoning
• arithmetic
• language
• music

Fodor's Module's

1. Domain specificity
2. Mandatory operation
3. Limited central accessibility
4. Fast processing
5. Information encapsulation
6. 'Shallow' outputs
7. Fixed neural architecture
8. Characteristic and specific breakdown patterns
9. Characteristic ontogenetic pace and sequencing

#5 information encapsulation
(essential for Fodor)

If a cognitive process takes place in a module of the
mind, the processing will have access only to the
information within that module.
• For instance, there is theorized to be a central
memory of information somewhere in the mind. But
the visual module does not have access to that while
it is doing the work of visual processing.

#3 limited central accessibility
(essential for Fodor)

• We have no conscious access to the processes that
are occurring within a module.
• A person cannot introspect about the processes that
are modularized.

#2 Mandatory operation
("out of control")

• A cognitive process that is modularized will occur
without conscious control over this process.
• In fact, modularized cognitive processes cannot be
prevented from occurring.
ex: Imagine you are in a room full of people speaking
different languages.