"The limits of my language are the limits of my world", said Ludwig Wittgensteinsaid, philosopher interested in the philosophy of mind and language. In the language-thought debate, the proponents of the lingualism theory claim that there is no thought without language, whereas their opponents claim that language is inessential to thought. In her lecture, Professor Debi Roberson from the University of Essex will discuss some of the reasons why this debate remains unresolved.
The lecture, organized by SWPS University's Interdisciplinary Doctoral Program is a part of the series The Challenges of the Humanities of the 21st Century.
The lecture will be conducted in English. Free admission.
Why is the language-thought debate still unresolved?
One of the most challenging questions facing cognitive science today is the following: "Does the way we classify what we perceive come pre-programmed, in a manner determined by our biology, given by nature? Or are such classifications learned when we learn our native language and culturally determined, given by nurture? Can our percepts, visual experience, possibly be influenced by our world knowledge - cognitive penetrability?”
Professor Debi Roberson will discuss some of the reasons why this question remains without a satisfactory answer, despite 50 years of intensive research. Issues like the definitions we use of terms, the boundaries that we draw between perception and cognition and the evidence that we would be prepared to accept may all contribute to the difficulty we have even in agreeing what would constitute an acceptable answer.
Speaker
Debi Roberson – Emeritus Professor at Department of Psychology, University of Essex; Visiting Professor of Cognitive Psychology, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, China. Debi Roberson obtained her Ph.D. at the University of London in 1999. She joined the Department at Essex in 2000. She is interested in all areas of cross-cultural differences and similarities in cognition in children and adults. Her research interests include: the relationship between language and thought, the development of categorization in children, categorization of colors, face identity and facial expressions categorical perception.
Language is essential to communication, learning and human development. Despite its ubiquitousness we still do not know whether the language is determined by nature or nurture. We are privileged to host Professor Debi Roberson, who will discuss some research findings related to the ongoing language-thought debate.
Izabela Grabowska, Associate Professor, Director of Interdisciplinary Doctoral Program
The Challenges of the Humanities of the 21st Century
“The Challenges of Humanities of the 21st Century” is a series of lectures by distinguished specialists, who represent various disciplines from the field of humanities. The events are aimed at students of SWPS University's Interdisciplinary Doctoral Program, however all interested parties are welcome. The format includes post-lecture informal discussions on topics presented by the invited experts. The friendly atmosphere of the events is conducive to networking, which lends itself to opportunities of future internships at universities or research centers around the world.
Doctoral Studies at SWPS University
Doctoral Studies at SWPS University are directed to people interested in an academic career and also to those, who would like to continue their education and personal development in support of their career advancement. The interdisciplinary character of our programs allows students to participate in projects from various disciplines. Our doctoral students collaborate with scholars from the best research centers in Poland and around the world. The master-apprentice approach guarantees that each student receives individual attention and professional support.
Date and Location
June 22, 2018 at 18.00, room 400
Chodakowska 19/31, Warsaw, Poland
Organizer
SWPS University's Interdisciplinary Doctoral Studies Program