The extended mind view and the embodied-grounded view of cognition and language are typically considered as rather independent perspectives. In this paper we propose a possible integration of the two views and support it proposing the idea of “Words As social Tools” (WAT). In this respect, we will propose that words, also due to their social and public character, can be conceived as quasi-external devices that extend our cognition. Moreover, words function like tools in that they enlarge the bodily space of action thus modifying our sense of body. To support our proposal, we review the relevant literature on tool-use and on words as tools and report recent evidence indicating that word use leads to an extension of space close to the body. In addition, we outline a model of the neural processes that may underpin bodily space extension via word use and may reflect possible effects on cognition of the use of words as external means. We also discuss how reconciling the two perspectives can help to overcome the limitations they encounter if considered independently.

The embodied mind extended: Words as social tools / Borghi, ANNA MARIA; Scorolli, C.; Caligiore, D.; Baldassarre, G.; Tummolini, L.. - In: FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGY. - ISSN 1664-1078. - 4:214(2013), pp. 1-10. [10.3389/fpsyg.2013.00214]

The embodied mind extended: Words as social tools.

BORGHI, ANNA MARIA;
2013

Abstract

The extended mind view and the embodied-grounded view of cognition and language are typically considered as rather independent perspectives. In this paper we propose a possible integration of the two views and support it proposing the idea of “Words As social Tools” (WAT). In this respect, we will propose that words, also due to their social and public character, can be conceived as quasi-external devices that extend our cognition. Moreover, words function like tools in that they enlarge the bodily space of action thus modifying our sense of body. To support our proposal, we review the relevant literature on tool-use and on words as tools and report recent evidence indicating that word use leads to an extension of space close to the body. In addition, we outline a model of the neural processes that may underpin bodily space extension via word use and may reflect possible effects on cognition of the use of words as external means. We also discuss how reconciling the two perspectives can help to overcome the limitations they encounter if considered independently.
2013
EMBODIED COGNITION; extended cognition; tool use; words as tools; language comprehension; social cognition; body schema; incorporation
01 Pubblicazione su rivista::01a Articolo in rivista
The embodied mind extended: Words as social tools / Borghi, ANNA MARIA; Scorolli, C.; Caligiore, D.; Baldassarre, G.; Tummolini, L.. - In: FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGY. - ISSN 1664-1078. - 4:214(2013), pp. 1-10. [10.3389/fpsyg.2013.00214]
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11573/929303
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