Psychology, cognitive scientists agree, has to be a central curricular component as well. So do neuroscience and computer science. Some add anthropology. A few raise doubts about granting philosophy significant status in a cognitive science curriculum, but Jay Atlas is not one of them. Philosophers, he says, fill a crucial role in helping to frame the questions and interpret the answers.
Banks is among the scientists who strongly endorse that view.
Atlas believes Pomona's new track in cognitive science stands apart from the offerings at peer institutions. Dean of the College Hans C. Palmer concurs. Atlas and others who will be guiding students through the rigors of cognitive science say they hope Pomona's approach will result in graduates who have a broad and deep understanding of the study of the mind and brain, and who will be equipped to apply that knowledge in service of society. How this new knowledge will be received is another question. If you abide by the normal prescriptive rules of English, the idea is that you are speaking a logical, systematic, correct, sophisticated, intelligent language.