The Mind's New Science: A History of the Cognitive Revolution

"The Mind's New Science: A History of the Cognitive Revolution" is a book written by cognitive scientist Howard Gardner that provides an overview of the history of cognitive science, which is the study of the mind and mental processes. The book covers the development of cognitive science from the 1950s to the 1980s, and describes the key figures, theories, and discoveries that shaped the field. The book begins by describing the intellectual and technological context that led to the emergence of cognitive science in the 1950s. Gardner then goes on to describe the key figures and ideas that were central to the cognitive revolution, such as the work of Noam Chomsky, George Miller, and Ulric Neisser. He also covers the development of key theories and models of mental processes, such as the information processing model and the computer metaphor of the mind. The book also describes the major research programs and discoveries that have been made in the field, such as the study of memory, problem-solving, and perception. Gardner also covers the impact of cognitive science on other fields, such as artificial intelligence, neuroscience, and linguistics. The book concludes by discussing the current state of cognitive science and the future directions of the field. Gardner argues that cognitive science has made significant progress in understanding the mind, but that there is still much work to be done. He also suggests that cognitive science will continue to have a significant impact on other fields, such as artificial intelligence, neuroscience, and education. Overall, "The Mind's New Science" is an accessible and comprehensive overview of the history of cognitive science. It provides a clear and engaging account of the key figures, theories, and discoveries that shaped the field, and offers a glimpse into the current state of cognitive science and its future directions. It is a useful resource for students and anyone interested in learning about the history and development of cognitive science.