The Network-Extended Mind
Paul R. Smart, Paula C. Engelbrecht, Dave Braines, Michael H. Strub, Cheryl Giammanco
IGI Global eBooks May 26, 2010 DOI: 10.4018/978-1-61520-855-5.ch010 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Citations | 17 |
| Key points | Argues that information and network sciences are relevant to extended cognition on two counts: they support understanding of mechanisms underpinning socially- and technologically-mediated cognitive extension, and they guide engineering efforts to enhance cognitive capabilities. The authors propose that network systems can extend or transform human cognitive potential, with implications for military coalition operations. |
Abstract
Whereas the traditional view in cognitive science has been to view mind and cognition as something that is the result of essentially inner, neural processes, the extended cognition perspective claims that at least some human mental states and processes stem from complex webs of causal influence involving extra-neural resources, most notably the resources of our social and technological environments. In this chapter the authors explore the possibility that contemporary and near-future network systems are poised to extend and perhaps transform our human cognitive potential. They also examine the extent to which the information and network sciences are relevant to their understanding of various forms of cognitive extension, particularly with respect to the formation, maintenance and functioning of extended cognitive systems in network-enabled environments. Their claim is that the information and network sciences are relevant on two counts: firstly, they support an understanding of the mechanisms underpinning socially- and technologically-mediated forms of cognitive extension; secondly, they serve to guide and inform engineering efforts that strive to enhance and expand our cognitive capabilities. The authors discuss the relevance and applicability of these conclusions to current and future research exploring the contribution of network technologies to military coalition operations.