Emphasizing the relevance of philosophical work to investigations in other cognitive sciences, this text examines such issues as the meaning of language, the mind-body problem, the functionalist theories of cognition, and intentionality.

Specifically designed to make the philosophy of mind intelligible to those not trained in philosophy, this book provides a concise overview for students and researchers in the cognitive sciences. Emphasizing the relevance of philosophical work to investigations in other cognitive sciences, this unique text examines such issues as the meaning of language, the mind-body problem, the functionalist theories of cognition, and intentionality. As he explores the philosophical issues, Bechtel draws connections between philosophical views and theoretical and experimental work in such disciplines as cognitive psychology, artificial intelligence, linguistics, neuroscience, and anthropology.

"...an informative and helpful text...a recommended first step in educating oneself in issues pertaining to philosophy of mind."—Child Development Abstracts"...clearly written and...does an excellent job of introducing the reader to a wide range of issues, many of which are prominent not only in philosophy of mind but in philosophy of language and logic....a good text to use in an upper year undergraduate course in philosophy of mind."—Semiotic Inquiry"...of value to students of the philosophies of science and mind."—The European Journal of Cognitive Psychology