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Exchanging humpty dumpties is not a solution: Why a representational view of knowledge must be replaced with an action-based approach

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 November 2021

Jeremy I. M. Carpendale
Affiliation:
Psychology Department, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BCV5A 1S6, Canadajcarpend@sfu.ca; https://www.sfu.ca/psychology/about/people/profiles/jcarpend.html
Charlie Lewis
Affiliation:
Psychology Department, Lancaster University, LancasterLA1 4YW, UK. c.lewis@lancaster.ac.uk; https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/people-profiles/charlie-lewis

Abstract

In arguing for knowledge representation before belief, Phillips et al. presuppose a representational theory of knowledge, a view that has been extensively criticized. As an alternative, we propose an action-based approach to knowledge, conceptualized in terms of skill. We outline the implications of this approach for children's developing social understanding, beginning with sensorimotor interaction and extending to the verbal level.

Type
Open Peer Commentary
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s), 2021. Published by Cambridge University Press

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