What this is
The “extended mind” is the idea that mental states and processes extend outside the head when the environment plays an active role analogous to internal brain processes — e.g., a notebook or mobile phone serving as part of someone’s memory and helping constitute their beliefs. It is sometimes called “active externalism” (PhilPapers summary, editor David Chalmers).
Current conversations
- Content vs vehicle externalism — Mark Rowlands & Joe Lau, SEP: Externalism About the Mind §3–5
- Scope of the extended mind and the “4E” mind (embodied, embedded, enactive, extended) — SEP §6–7
- Technology as mind extension (phones, AI assistants) — to research; relevant to the Foundation’s assistive-technology work.
Suggested learning path
- SEP: Embodied Cognition
- SEP: Externalism About the Mind
- Clark & Chalmers's extended-mind thesis: papers at consc.net
- Lectures: to research
My thoughts
Notes here.
Discussion
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Media
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Sources