LaCroix, Travis (2020) Reflexivity, Functional Reference, and Modularity: Alternative Targets for Language Origins. In: UNSPECIFIED.

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Abstract

Researchers in language origins typically try to explain how compositional communication might evolve to bridge the gap between animal communication and natural language. However, as an explanatory target, compositionality has been shown to be problematic for a gradualist approach to the evolution of language. In this paper, I suggest that reflexivity provides an apt and plausible alternative target which does not succumb to the problems that compositionality faces. I further explain how proto-reflexivity, which depends upon functional reference, gives rise to complex communication systems via modular composition.

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Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (UNSPECIFIED)
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID LaCroix, Travis lacroixt@mila.quebec 0000-0002-1724-3434
Keywords:	reflexivity, language origins, explanatory targets, functional reference, modular composition, compositionality, animal communication
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Biology > Evolutionary Theory Specific Sciences > Cultural Evolution General Issues > Game Theory
Depositing User:	Dr. Travis LaCroix
Date Deposited:	07 Jul 2020 02:14
Last Modified:	07 Jul 2020 02:14
Item ID:	17441
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Biology > Evolutionary Theory Specific Sciences > Cultural Evolution General Issues > Game Theory
Date:	2020
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/17441

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• Reflexivity, Functional Reference, and Modularity: Alternative Targets for Language Origins. (deposited 07 Jul 2020 02:14) [Currently Displayed]
  • Reflexivity, Functional Reference, and Modularity: Alternative Targets for Language Origins. (deposited 05 Nov 2021 04:07)

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