Extended Mind — Books Overview

For reading bookworms and impatient minds

I‘ll try to give you a few books and summaries for inpatient on-topic of Extended Mind

Clark & Chalmers

The extended mind thesis was most prominently put forth by philosophers Andy Clark and David Chalmers in their 1998 paper “The Extended Mind.” They argue that when external objects play a role in cognitive processes similar to internal cognitive states, they should be considered part of the mind. For example, if you use a notebook to remember things, and you consult it in the same way you would consult your own memory, then the notebook becomes an extension of your mind.

I recommend reading this paper.

The Extended Mind: The Power of Thinking Outside the Brain by Annie Murphy

In cognitive science, the brain has long been considered the epicenter of thought, memory, and emotion. However, Annie Murphy Paul challenges this traditional notion in her groundbreaking book, “The Extended Mind: The Power of Thinking Outside the Brain.” She argues that our cognitive processes are not confined to our brain’s neural pathways but extend to our bodies, our immediate environment, and even the people around us. This concept, known as the “extended mind,” has profound implications for how we work, learn, and interact.

Embodied Cognition

The first pillar of the extended mind is embodied cognition, which posits that our physical actions and sensations play a crucial role in shaping our thoughts. For example, the simple act of gesturing while explaining a complex concept can facilitate better understanding. This is not just a psychological trick; it’s a manifestation of how our body and brain work in tandem to solve problems.

Environmental Influence

The second pillar focuses on the impact of our surroundings. A well-organized workspace or a room filled with natural light can significantly boost our cognitive functions. This is particularly relevant for software developers like you, Volodia, where the setup of your development environment can either hinder or enhance your productivity and creativity.

Tools and Technology

The final pillar is the role of tools and technology as cognitive extenders. Whether a simple notepad or a sophisticated piece of software, these tools serve as external memory stores or computational aids. Understanding how technology can extend or compromise our cognitive abilities is crucial for someone keen on Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI) and data privacy.

Social Extension

The third pillar is social extension, which emphasizes that our cognitive processes are often influenced and sometimes even outsourced to other people. This is evident in collaborative projects, where the collective intelligence of a group can solve problems more efficiently than an individual. Given your interest in functional programming and data privacy, understanding how to leverage collective intelligence can be invaluable. It is explain a phenomena of social networks and social interacting platform like Yakihonne , medium, twitter , nostr etc. We are social and even more we use tools and technology to be more connected and more social

The Knowledge Illusion: Why We Never Think Alone by Steven Sloman

Steven Sloman and Philip Fernbach that explores the limitations of individual knowledge and the collective intelligence of human society. The central thesis is that while individuals may think they know a lot, much of their “knowledge” is actually reliant on the expertise and understanding of others. The book argues that this isn’t a flaw but a feature of human cognition, emphasizing the importance of collaborative thinking and social networks in problem-solving and decision-making.

1. Illusion of Explanatory Depth: People often overestimate their understanding of complex subjects, only to realize their limitations when asked to explain them in detail.
2. Collective Intelligence: The book argues that the sum of human knowledge is far greater than what any individual can know, and this collective intelligence is what drives human progress.
3. Social Networks: Our ability to collaborate and share knowledge makes us more effective problem-solvers.
4. Cognitive Humility: Recognizing the limits of our individual knowledge can lead to more effective collaboration and better decision-making.