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Weak embodied cognition

Aaron Kagan, Charles Lassiter

March 11, 2026 DOI: 10.4324/9781003356622-9 (opens in new tab)

Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Theoretical or philosophical paper
Key points Proposes that "weak embodied cognition" keeps representations while separating their structure from their content, with structure reflecting a sense modality and shaping processing. Argues this representational account of embodiment integrates smoothly with a cognitivist account of emotion and with first-wave extended mind.

Abstract

Weak embodied cognition is characterized by commitment to some machinery of disembodiment, namely, representations. This is done by separating the structure and content of representations. A representation&s;s structure reflects a sense modality (e.g., sight, smell) and thereby shapes how that representation is processed. A representational account of embodiment allows for smooth integration with a cognitivist account of emotion as well as first-wave extended mind (see Chapter 4 ).