The Extended Mind The power of distributed cognition

Knowledge Is Communal

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Knowledge and cognition extend beyond our brains, involving people and objects around us. This distributed cognition means our thinking and decision-making are influenced by external factors. Understanding this can improve how we approach problem-solving and collaboration.

Not only is our knowledge distributed, but our cognition is also distributed.

In other words, we don’t just think inside our heads. Other people and objects are also involved in cognition. Consciously or subconsciously, these other objects affect our thinking and decision-making.

A simple example of distributed cognition is when we have to perform a mathematical calculation. First, you may ask a colleague to help you clarify the question. Second, when you make the calculation, you may use paper and pencil to aid your memory or involve an electronic calculator. You rarely perform the calculation unaided in some way. As a child, you may have even used your fingers.

Recognizing that cognition is distributed across people and objects can change how we approach learning and problem-solving. Embracing this perspective encourages collaboration and innovative use of tools, potentially enhancing our ability to think and make decisions effectively in various aspects of life.

Detailed Resources

• Article: Embodied Cognition by Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (2021)

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