Cybernetics and embodied cognition: on the construction of realities in organisms and robots
Kybernetes 2005 DOI: 10.1108/03684920510575771 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that von Foerster's work on integrating radical constructivist philosophy with models of neurophysiological and sensorimotor mechanisms is highly relevant to understanding embodied cognition and robotic models, and identifies conceptual contributions his constructivist cybernetics can make to cognitive science's understanding of embodiment and representation. |
Abstract
PurposeTo point out the relevance of Heinz von Foerster's work to modern embodied cognitive science and artifical intelligence research.Design/methodology/approachThe paper discusses (a) von Foerster's contributions to understanding the limitations of the computer metaphor which has long dominated cognitive science, and (b) his theories concerning how reality is constructed in organizationally closed organisms, and what the underlying neural mechanisms are. The latter is exemplified with a simple neuro‐robotic model that illustrates the constructive and anticipatory nature of memory.Findingsvon Foerster's work on the integration of a radical constructivest philosophy of knowledge construction with models of the underlying neurophysiological and sensorimotor mechanisms is still highly relevant to the understanding of embodied cognition and robotic models thereof.Originality/valueThis paper identifies conceptual contributions that von Foerster's constructivist cybernetics can make to cognitive science's still limited understanding of the embodiment of cognition and “representation”.