Artificial intelligence, extended cognition, and the narratives of cyberimmortality
Filosofia Unisinos April 1, 2025 DOI: 10.4013/fsu.2025.261.09 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that extended mind theory, by treating cognition as distributed across brain, body, environment, and technological devices, challenges the traditional mind-world dichotomy and is used to legitimize cyberimmortality narratives; the author also examines its treatment in artificial intelligence and raises critical challenges regarding the body and environment. |
Abstract
The article shows how the extended mind theory, which suggests that cognition is not confined to the brain but extends beyond the body, is used to redefine our understanding of the nature of the mind and legitimize narratives of cyberimmortality. Additionally, it explores how this concept has been considered within the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI). By exploring the interactions between the environment, technological devices, and mental processes, the extended mind theory challenges the traditional boundaries of historically constructed epistemology upon the mind-world dichotomy. The paper analyzes various features of this new cognitive topography and how this perspective can transform human experience into a narrative that transcends organic limitations. Finally, it highlights a few consequences and critical challenges of the extended mind proposal in the recovery of the body and the environment.