Cognition and the Symbolic Processes: Applied and Ecological Perspectives

This volume is largely the outcome of a conference held in honor of James J. Jenkins at the University of South Florida, Tampa, in January of 1987, with the original title of Speaking, Reading. Tltirikiiig, arid Developmerit: The Accoiiiplishriieitts arid Goals of Modern Research. Some of the chapters were solicited independently, however, and all contributions seem to have been updated shortly before publication. The book is also a sequel t o two previous edited volumes entitled Cognition arid the Syriibolic Processes (Weimer and Palermo, 1974, 1982). The unity of this Festschrift lies in the diversity of ideas and the wide-ranging influence of its dedicatee, James J. Jenkins. Jenkins is one of the more remarkable psychologists of this century, and certainly one of the most beloved ones. Unlike many of his famous contemporaries, he did not earn his reputation through the religious pursuit of a favorite theory, nor primarily through his empirical research or theoretical writings, though he has done much excellent work along these lines. His special distinction derives from his broadmindedness and flexibility, and from the enormous influence he has had on his contemporaries as teacher, colleague, and intellectual stimulator. Rather than drawing attention to himself, his lifelong goal has been to point out problems that need to be solved, as well as ideas and methods (frequently those of others) that may be best I suited to accomplishing concrete goals. Jenkins’ achievements thus go far beyond the publications that have his name on them; they pervade a large section of cognitive psychology, especially that concerned with language. It is clear from the contributions to this volume that his colleagues and former students regard him not only with respect and admiration, but with gratitude and affection. As Donald J. Foss writes in a postscript to his chapter with Shari R. Speer, “There can be few in the annals of the profession who took such pains to nurture people, both in the service of helping them develop as individuals and in helping deveIop the ideas they might have” (p. 137). This Festschrift, therefore, was not a professional obligation but a joyful occasion: By expressing their own ideas and reporting on their own accomplishments, the contributors celebrate the Jenkins spirit in themselves. OF course, love alone does not guarantee a volume of high quality. What does is the caliber of the contributors, together with their obvious desire to live up to the standards set by their friend and mentor. Nearly all the authors are distinguished researchers in their fields, and nearly all are putting their best foot fonvard. As already