The central question of Psychosemantics is whether mental content can be understood through a theory of meaning. Fodor, a prominent philosopher of mind, explores the relationship between thought and language, proposing that the meaning of mental states is determined by their causal relations to the external world. He argues against holistic theories of meaning and develops a representational theory of mind, suggesting that mental states are composed of symbols with specific contents. The book grapples with the implications of this theory for understanding how minds work and how language functions.

Psychosemantics is recognized as a significant contribution to the philosophy of mind and language, particularly for its defense of a representational theory of mind. Scholars often cite Fodor's rigorous argumentation and his clear articulation of complex ideas. The book is considered essential reading for those studying semantics, cognitive science, and the nature of thought, offering a foundational text for understanding how meaning is constituted in the mind.