Mind as Metaphor: A Defence of Mental Fictionalism

The mind is not an inner world, but a metaphorical projection of the outer world of human culture onto the inner world of the mind. Adam Toon argues that this is a mistake and that we must not forget that this inner world is only a useful fiction. Mind as Metaphor offers a radical new approach to the mind, known as mental fictionalism, which can make sense of our ordinary concept of mind while avoiding the difficulties faced by alternative approaches. It sheds new light on a range of issues, from the mind's capacity to represent the world to the way in which new tools and practices expand the limits of inquiry.

Format: Hardback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 27 April 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press

The mind is commonly perceived as an inner realm, a place where our thoughts, emotions, and experiences reside. In the past, it was believed to be the dwelling of a spirit or soul, a ghost within the machine, as famously put forth by Gilbert Ryle. However, contemporary scientific understanding suggests that the mind is primarily located in the brain. Adam Toon, in his book "Mind as Metaphor," challenges this notion and argues that our concept of mind is fundamentally metaphorical. We project the outer world of human culture onto the inner world of the mind, creating a rich and meaningful understanding of people and their behavior.

This metaphorical approach to the mind is incredibly powerful, allowing us to make sense of the complex and diverse nature of human experience. It enables us to comprehend the complexities of thought, emotion, and consciousness and to explain the seemingly inexplicable actions and behaviors of others. However, it is important to remember that this inner world is not a literal reality but rather a useful fiction. Mind as Metaphor delves into this idea and proposes a radical new perspective on the mind, known as mental fictionalism.

Toon demonstrates that mental fictionalism can provide a coherent and meaningful account of our ordinary concept of mind, or folk psychology. It avoids the limitations and difficulties encountered by other approaches, such as behaviorism and instrumentalism. By adopting a mental fictionalist perspective, we can gain a deeper understanding of the mind's capacity to represent the world, or intentionality, and to explore the ways in which new tools and practices expand the boundaries of inquiry.

Written in a concise, engaging, and accessible style, Mind as Metaphor is an essential read for anyone interested in the nature of the mind and its relationship to human culture. It offers a fresh and innovative perspective on an old problem, shedding new light on a range of issues, from the mind's capacity for representation to the ways in which new technologies and practices shape our understanding of the world. Through its exploration of mental fictionalism, Mind as Metaphor provides a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate about the nature of the mind and its place in our lives.

Weight: 388g
Dimension: 241 x 162 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198879626