CJO - Abstract - The collective invention of language to access the universe of possible ideas

Behavioral and Brain Sciences (2002), 25 : 675-676 Cambridge University Press

Copyright © 2002 Cambridge University Press

doi:10.1017/S0140525X02230125

Published online by Cambridge University Press 11 Aug 2003

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Behavioral and Brain Sciences (2002), 25:6:675-676 Cambridge University Press
Copyright © 2002 Cambridge University Press
doi:10.1017/S0140525X02230125

Short Communication

The collective invention of language to access the universe of possible ideas

Roy F. Baumeister ^a1 and Kathleen D. Vohs ^a2
^a1 Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306-1270 rfb2@po.cwru.edu
^a2 Department of Psychology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112-0251 kathleen.vohs@psych.utah.edu

Abstract

Thought uses meaning but not necessarily language. Meaning, in the form of a set of possible concepts and ideas, is a nonphysical reality that lay waiting for brains to become smart enough to represent these ideas. Thus, the brain evolved, whereas meaning was discovered, and language was invented – collectively – as a tool to help the brain use meaning.