Since Fodor's seminal publication (1983), behavioral modularity has generated much controversy, mainly centered on the amount of specialization of eventual modules and the degree of their encapsulation (autonomy with regard to external control). After reviewing precursor formulations about instinct and specialized learning processes and examining basic properties of modularity, I take, as a case study, research on the perception of facial expressions of emotion and I show that results support both specialization and openness to external control. I argue, in conclusion, in favor of a systemic approach in which the determination of specifity of domain is supplemented by an examination of the way processes integrate and control each other and are eventually coordinated by general level processes.
Instinct; Specialization; Modularity; Facial expressions; Emotions
