An Architecture of the Mind: A Psychological Foundation for the Science of Everyday Life

by Brendan Markey-Towler

Overview

An Architecture of the Mind proposes a mathematically logical and rigorous theory of lived experience, and a comprehensive and coherent theory of psychology. It is also remarkably simple. Building on the core proposition that the mind is a network structure, it proposes a theory of the psychological process as operating within and upon that structure, and a theory of behaviour as determined by that process.

The theory presents a view of the mind which reveals a new perspective on the process of reasoning in thinking and how it may coexist with processes more akin to simple rule-following and computation. It allows us to understand the role and influence of social influences in the psychological process by revealing their role in and influence on mental networks. It reveals the place of motivations in the psyche as complexes in mental networks from whence aesthetics, preference and value judgements arise and demonstrates their necessity for behaviour. This book is especially useful for the perspective it offers on behavioural change. It reveals the conditions under which traditional economic theories of incentives will be appropriate, and the conditions under which they will not be.

This book draws on psychology, social science, cultural science, neuroscience and economics to offer an interdisciplinary contribution which resists the tendency for disciplines to become over-specialised and fragmented. It will be of interest to any interested in the functioning of the human mind and the government of human behaviour.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780367607180
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	06/30/2020
Pages:	140
Product dimensions:	5.44(w) x 8.50(h) x (d)

About the Author

Dr. Brendan Markey-Towler is a philosopher, psychological scientist and economist. He received his Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Queensland in 2017, having researched there under Professors John Foster and Peter Earl and at University College London under Professor Michelle Baddeley. He lives in Brisbane, Queensland with his family.

Table of Contents

List of Figures

Glossary of Mathematical Symbols

Preface

Acknowledgments

1. A Fundamental Question: What Is the Mind, How Does It Function?

2. Philosophical Considerations: The Nature of The Mind

3. The Psychology of Behaviour: Operating Within and Upon the Architecture of Mind

4. Reasons, Rules, Society and Motivation in The Psychological Process

5. Substitutability and Behavioural Change in Quasi-Fixed Environments

6. Properties of The Psyche and Their Influence on Behaviour: Explanations and Predictions

7. Conclusion

8. Appendix: Proofs of theorems

Index

Editorial Reviews

Brendan Markey-Towley’s opera prima not only provides a fresh look on the crucial connection between cognitive psychology and the social sciences, but does it fearlessly and aware that the social sciences’ analytical methods can be valuable for the development of theoretical psychology. This is exemplary.

Enrico Petracca, University of Neuchâtel

From the Publisher