Philosophy Dictionary of ArgumentsHome
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| Complex: a complex is composed of components that can be distinguished from each other and are relatively autonomous. Complex behavior refers to systems that consist of several components. The relative independence of the components is manifested in their behavior. Relative autonomy of the components is determined by the description of the complex as a whole._____________Annotation: The above characterizations of concepts are neither definitions nor exhausting presentations of problems related to them. Instead, they are intended to give a short introduction to the contributions below. – Lexicon of Arguments. | |||
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Terrence W. Deacon on Complexes/Complexity - Dictionary of Arguments
I 40 Complexity/Language/Simplicity/Deacon: the argument that language is simply too complex to be learned by a simpler species can be disproved with a simple thought experiment: I 41 Why is there no simpler language that consists of a limited vocabulary, for example, but with unambiguous mapping rules for the symbolic reference? If we had such a language, we could understand mathematics, music, computer "languages", religious ceremonies, courtesy and many rule-based games as equipped with the characteristics of that language. >Computer languages. You only needed a few rules. This could also explain the social behaviour of other species with these minimal conditions. Problem: the real mystery is now: there are no such simple languages! Animals: their social behaviour (natural communicative behaviour) is much more complex. >Behavior. I 42 Many animals are able to learn much more associations than a simple language would require. Then why do they not have a language? This cannot be about complexity. Animal language: nevertheless, even the simplest language seems to be too difficult for animals. Why? >Animals, >Animal language, >Simplicity/Deacon._____________Explanation of symbols: Roman numerals indicate the source, arabic numerals indicate the page number. The corresponding books are indicated on the right hand side. ((s)…): Comment by the sender of the contribution. Translations: Dictionary of Arguments The note [Concept/Author], [Author1]Vs[Author2] or [Author]Vs[term] resp. "problem:"/"solution:", "old:"/"new:" and "thesis:" is an addition from the Dictionary of Arguments. If a German edition is specified, the page numbers refer to this edition. |
Dea I T. W. Deacon The Symbolic Species: The Co-evolution of language and the Brain New York 1998 Dea II Terrence W. Deacon Incomplete Nature: How Mind Emerged from Matter New York 2013 |
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> Counter arguments against Deacon
> Counter arguments in relation to Complexes/Complexity
Ed. Martin Schulz, access date 2024-04-27