From Computationalism to Extended Cognition

Computationalism has long been a dominant framework in cognitive science and philosophy of mind. The view posits that cognitive processes can be understood as computations, akin to information processing performed by a computer. Embodied Cognition challenges the traditional view of cognition as a purely mental phenomenon, asserting instead that it is deeply intertwined with bodily experiences and interactions with the environment. Enactivism suggests that cognition arises from the dynamic coupling between an organism and its surroundings. Extended Cognition takes these concepts further and proposes that cognitive processes extend beyond the boundaries of the individual mind to include external objects and systems.

In this seminar, we discuss the mind-body relationship and its profound implications for our understanding of cognition. We will discuss how Computationalism, Embodied Cognition, Enactivism, and Extended Cognition developed, explore these theories, analyze their philosophical underpinnings, and consider their implications for consciousness, perception, and the nature of reality.