An outstanding and exciting book on the relationship between purpose and reference, and essential reading for cognitive scientists interested in the naturalization of intentionality.
Vittorio Gallese, Department of Neuroscience, University of Parma
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
How can the brain, a highly structured biological and chemical mechanism, made up of neurons with axons, dendrites, and synapses and that functions via flowing ions and neurotransmitters—how can the physical brain give rise to thought and language? Jerome Feldman, my close colleague in unlocking this puzzle, has given us the first serious theory linking neurobiology to neural computation to cognitive linguistics. From Molecule to Metaphor is an indispensable book for anyone interested in how human beings think, act, and communicate.
George Lakoff, Goldman Distinguished Professor of Cognitive Science and Linguistics, University of California, Berkeley
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
In his new book From Molecule to Metaphor: A Neural Theory of Language (MIT Press, 2006), cognitive scientist Jerome Feldman constructs an objective, coherent account of language and thought in the broad context of cognitive science research and data in the 21st century. The book is a must read for those interested in interdisciplinary approaches to language and thought.
Teenie Matlock, PhD, Founding Faculty & Assistant Professor of Cognitive Science, University of California, Merced