MODULARITY: THREE ARGUMENTS AGAINST, ONE PSEUDO-ARGUMENT FOR
Abstract
In this article three arguments are offered against the view that language is a
mental module. First, language is not encapsulated vis-a-vis the extralinguistic
reality, as shown by iconicity. Second, language is not encapsulated vis-a-vis the
other cognitive domains, as shown by the pervasive analogies between all these
domains, a fact which suggests their ultimate unity (or 'common source'). Third,
language is not encapsulated vis-a-vis such cognitive domains as logic or social
cognition, because it is not only analogous to, but (partly) identical, or overlaps,
with the latter. Finally, those reasons are exposed that have mis/ed some
members of the field into thinking that language could be a mental module.
Keywords: modularity, analogy, iconicity
Avainsanat: modulaarisuus, analogia, ikonisuus
