Extended and Fragile: How the Mind Extends into the Physical World – and Why That Might Worry You
On Thinking May 5, 2026 DOI: 10.1017/s1477175625100936 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Education |
| Key points | Argues that the extended mind hypothesis implies the mind's fragility due to its dependence on external systems, and that this fragility has significant implications for knowledge, identity, education, and digital ethics. |
Abstract
Abstract According to the extended mind hypothesis, the mind can extend into the physical world via tools, devices and systems external to the brain. This article explains the hypothesis and explores its implications for knowledge, identity, education and digital ethics. It also highlights a deeper concern: if the mind is extended, then it is also fragile. This fragility stems from its dependence on infrastructure, institutions and systems that we often don’t control.