Thoughts on theory theory

I'm currently working on the question of whether theory theory is the best theory we have for explaining mental states. My provisional answer is that it probably is, on the grounds that it fits the facts well and offers a good degree of cognitive economy.

By defining an empirical theory of mind, theory theory allows us to explain what mental states are and what they mean. The theory can be extended to others allowing us to predict their behavour — ok, other theories allow us to do this too — and to ascribe mental states to them via the theory, rather than simply extrapolating from the privileged knowledge of our own minds.

Sounds pretty good to me.

Floods and reminiscences

Truly appalling journey from Exeter to the Midlands. Despite the dire warnings of serious flooding in Oxfordshire, I managed to make it as far as Didcot by train before all attempts at onward rail travel had to be abandoned in the face of the rising waters. Eventually, I was forced to ask my pater to come and pick me up.

Safely relocated, we went to dinner with some friends of mine who I haven't seen in close to 15, yes 15, years. We talked about Cuba, the ethics of chocolate buying, the merits of Finham Park as compared to Cardinal Newman and whether, back when we were callow striplings, we used to have lion bars after swimming on a Friday. R maintains that we did and that M always used to try to cut three bars up into five pieces, only to get it wrong and have to cut the last bit up into tiny chunks to make up the difference. Neither S or I could remember it, but now I think I'm starting to remember. I'll have to check with my sis and see whether her memories match up. All rather wonderful.