On the Origins of Cognitive Science

August 31, 2010

On the Origins of Cognitive Science is an excellent review of early twentieth century cognitive science. It stands out amongst other reviews of cognitive science by taking a broad perspective over the ideas that were alive during the cybernetic era and not limiting itself to just that part of history that seems relevant in light of current orthodoxy. Dupuy explicitly states that the book is a testament to the failure of cybernetics, which I feel is not warranted by his exegesis. I found it to be an inspiring story of a research program that had lofty ambitions of exploring the ways in which new technologies could shape the way we understand the mind. Furthermore, it becomes clear through the book how much current orthodoxy and the research programs that are challenging this orthodoxy in the 21st century all owe to the research and new ways of thinking that the cyberneticians spawned. (Metapsychology)