Interpretations of the extended mind
March 11, 2026 DOI: 10.4324/9781003356622-8 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that the parity principle, which treats functions performed outside the head as cognitive if equivalent functions inside the head are cognitive, should be used to expand what counts as part of the cognitive system, challenging the assumption that cognition must occur within the brain. |
Abstract
The parity principle is central to EM. If certain functions happen “in the head,” we have no problem calling them cognitive. But what&s;s so sacred about their occurring in the head? If a function happens outside the head, why not also call it cognitive? We explore the parity principle in greater detail and use it to expand what counts as part of the cognitive system.