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From Molecule to Metaphor
A Neural Theory of Language
Jerome A. Feldman
 Table of Contents and Sample Chapters
In From Molecule to Metaphor, Jerome Feldman proposes a theory of language and thought that treats language not as an abstract symbol system but as a human biological ability that can be studied as a function of the brain, as vision and motor control are studied. This theory, he writes, is a "bridging theory" that works from extensive knowledge at two ends of a causal chain to explicate the links between. Although the cognitive sciences are revealing much about how our brains produce language and thought, we do not yet know exactly how words are understood or have any methodology for finding out. Feldman develops his theory in computer simulations—formal models that suggest ways that language and thought may be realized in the brain. Combining key findings and theories from biology, computer science, linguistics, and psychology, Feldman synthesizes a theory by exhibiting programs that demonstrate the required behavior while remaining consistent with the findings from all disciplines.
After presenting the essential results on language, learning, neural computation, the biology of neurons and neural circuits, and the mind/brain, Feldman introduces specific demonstrations and formal models of such topics as how children learn their first words, words for abstract and metaphorical concepts, understanding stories, and grammar (including "hot-button" issues surrounding the innateness of human grammar). With this accessible, comprehensive book Feldman offers readers who want to understand how our brains create thought and language a theory of language that is intuitively plausible and also consistent with existing scientific data at all levels.
About the Author
Jerome A. Feldman is Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and former Director of the Cognitive Science Program at the University of California, Berkeley, and a Research Scientist at the International Computer Science Institute.
| The Language Realm Blog positions From Molecule to Metaphor in the ongoing debate over Chomsky's Universal Grammar theory.
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Jerome Feldman has launched a new companion website for From Molecule to Metaphor. For additional resources and updates, please visit www.m2mbook.org.
From Molecule to Metaphor comes "Highly recommended" by Berkeley scholar/blogger Brad DeLong, who calls the book "a very interesting and wild ride through the subject."
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| "In From Molecule to Metaphor, Jerome Feldman takes us on a fascinating tour through the mysteries of the human brain, revealing new and unexpected vistas. The ideas are deep, as should be expected from one of the pioneers in the field, but also lucidly presented for the nonspecialist reader."
—V.S. Ramachandran, Professor and Director of the Center for Brain and Cognition, University of California, San Diego
"Feldman has a unique perspective on human computation at all levels, drawn from his dual lifelong experiences helping to create modern computer science and bringing deep computational ideas to the study of cognitive science. In this exciting new book, he shows why understanding the most complex computations of the human brain depends on taking account of the ontogeny and phylogeny of our species; and, by doing so, how it might be possible to build a truly embodied cognitive science."
—Steven L. Small, Professor of Neurology and Psychology, The University of Chicago
"Jerry Feldman's book guides the reader through the most recent developments in neural computational theories of language. His is a thought-provoking book and an important touchstone for those interested in learning how embodiment shapes meaning."
—Vittorio Gallese, Department of Neuroscience, University of Parma
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