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How children learn language without having a theory of mind
Semester II 2006
(Paul Barratt Lecture Theatre, 28 July 2006, 2.00 pm)
Abstract
If we adopt a certain view of language understanding, and have a flexible
enough view of the different ways in which one mind can take account of
another, it becomes clear that a child can get exceedingly far in learning
language without having any theories or thoughts about other people's
minds. The radical part here is the proposed view of language
understanding. Interpreting what you hear through the medium of
speech sounds is in relevant ways just like interpreting what you see
through the medium of the structured light that strikes your eyes.
Understanding speech is a form of perception of the world, as direct as
seeing.
