Extending cognition: a vegetal rejoinder to extensionless thought and to extended cognition.
Michael Marder, André Geremia Parise
Plant Signaling & Behavior December 31, 2024 DOI: 10.1080/15592324.2024.2345984 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Philosophy of mind |
| Keywords | Extended mind Intentionality Phenotypic plasticity Plant behavior Plant cognition |
| Key points | Proposes that plants and other organisms with open-ended body plans extend their cognition through growth, physiological processes, and avoidance behaviors. |
Abstract
In this paper, we propose a crucial supplement to the framework of plant cognition, namely extending cognition. We argue that plants and other organisms with an open-ended body plan actively extend their cognition when growing tissues or organs. Their cognition expands with their body expansion. After considering the defining features of extending cognition, we present a model where growth, along with aspects of plant physiology (e.g. biochemical exudates), as well as the "negative extension" of growing away from obstacles or stressful environments, are the building blocks for a more refined understanding of plant cognition. We conclude by outlining the general implications of the theory of extending cognition and indicating directions for future research.