Computation vs. information processing: why their difference matters to cognitive science

Abstract

a b s t r a c tSince the cognitive revolution, it has become commonplace that cognition involves both computation and information processing. Is this one claim or two? Is computation the same as information processing? The two terms are often used interchangeably, but this usage masks important differences. In this paper, we distinguish information processing from computation and examine some of their mutual relations, shedding light on the role each can play in a theory of cognition. We recommend that theorists of cognition be explicit and careful in choosing notions of computation and information and connecting them together.

Triviality Arguments Reconsidered

“…8 Some are inclined to equate 'computation' with a (usually much vaguer) notion of 'information processing', and so might contend that these are cases of computation in the latter sense. However, in agreement withPiccinini and Scarantino (2010), I would respond that the two notions are not synonymous.…”

Wie grundlegend ist die Allgemeine Psychologie für die Psychologie,wie grundlegend sollte sie sein?

“…Allerdings wurde der Begriff der Information keineswegs aufgegeben, sondern er erlebte einen enormen Aufstieg zu einem Grundbegriff der KWis, wohl auch aufgrund seiner Nähe zum Alltagsverständnis von Kommunikation und Nachricht, aber auch durch seine Verbindung mit der Computermetapher (zu den Unterschieden von Computation und Informationsverarbeitung vgl. Piccinini & Scarantino, 2010; mentale Repräsentation als Informationsverarbeitung vgl. Ramos, 2014) mit der Kybernetik und der System-und Kontrolltheorie.…”

Theoretical vocabularies and styles of explanation of robot behaviours in children

“…However, it is by no means obvious that information-processing mechanisms can be regarded as causal in the same sense in which physical processes are ordinarily thought of. Moreover, it is not clear why the description of a system as an information processing mechanism should be distinctively connected to the adoption of a non-psychological stance, as many psychological systems are said to process information (Piccinini & Scarantino, 2010).…”