Ruth Millikan

Ruth Millikan is a philosopher known for her work on mental representation, which relates to how our thoughts and beliefs represent the world. She proposed that mental representations have “functions” akin to biological traits—they evolve to perform specific roles or purposes. Millikan argues that these mental symbols convey meaning based on their use in communication and behavior, rather than merely reflecting reality. Her theories bridge philosophy, cognitive science, and biology, suggesting that understanding how our minds work requires considering both evolutionary context and the practical use of our thoughts in interacting with the world.