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modularity

n. a theory of the human mind in which the various components of cognition are characterized as independent modules, each with its own specific domain and particular properties. It was first proposed by U.S. philosopher Jerry Fodor (1935–  ) in his book The Modularity of Mind (1983). A related notion had earlier been advanced by Noam Chomsky in his theory of the task specificity of language, which characterizes the human language faculty as a unique “mental organ” differing qualitatively from other aspects of cognition. More recently, evolutionary psychologists have shown interest in the idea that the various modules may be adaptive specializations. Compare cognitive grammar.

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Psychology term of the day

January 18th 2025

group fallacy

group fallacy

1. the assumption, regarded as erroneous, that the actions and experiences of people in groups cannot be understood completely through analysis of the qualities of the individual members.

2. the mistaken assumption that a group is totally uniform, whereas in fact members differ from one another in many respects. See also outgroup homogeneity bias.