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From cognition’s location to the epistemology of its nature

Title:

From cognition’s location to the epistemology of its nature

Barker, Matthew J. (2010) From cognition’s location to the epistemology of its nature. Cognitive Systems Research, 11 (4). pp. 357-366. ISSN 1389-0417

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/doi:10.1016/j.cogsys.2010.05.001

Abstract

One of the liveliest debates about cognition concerns whether our cognition sometimes extends beyond our brains and bodies. One party says Yes, another No. This paper shows that debate between these parties has been epistemologically confused and requires reorienting. Both parties frequently appeal to empirical considerations and to extra-empirical theoretical virtues to support claims about where cognition is. These things should constrain their claims, but cannot do all the work hoped. This is because of the overlooked fact, uncovered in this paper, that we could never distinguish the rival views empirically or by typical theoretical virtues. I show this by drawing on recent work on testing, predictive accuracy, and theoretical virtues. The recommendation to emerge is that we step back from debate about where cognition is, to the epistemology of what cognition is.

Divisions:Concordia University > Faculty of Arts and Science > Philosophy
Item Type:Article
Refereed:Yes
Authors:Barker, Matthew J.
Journal or Publication:Cognitive Systems Research
Date:2010
Digital Object Identifier (DOI):10.1016/j.cogsys.2010.05.001
Keywords:Extended cognition; Situated cognition; Extended mind; Empirical test; Theoretical virtue; Individuation
ID Code:35940
Deposited By: ANDREA MURRAY
Deposited On:27 Sep 2011 19:04
Last Modified:18 Jan 2018 17:35
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