Embodied cognition is a theory of cognitive science that proposes that the body and its environment are an integral part of cognition and cognitive processes. This theory suggests that the body’s physical environment is a critical factor in the way that we think, feel, and reason. In other words, our physical body is an important part of how we think, not just a tool we use to carry out cognitive tasks. This concept has been gaining more attention in recent years and has been used to explain a range of cognitive processes such as memory, attention, decision-making, and problem-solving.
The concept of embodied cognition has its roots in the early 20th century, when philosophers and psychologists began to explore the relationship between physical movement and cognition. For example, Merleau-Ponty proposed that the body’s physical environment can be seen as an extension of the body itself, and that cognition can be thought of as an embodied process. This idea was further developed by the cognitive scientist George Lakoff, who argued that the body and its environment are an integral part of our cognitive processes. According to Lakoff, the body is an active participant in our thinking, not just a passive receiver of information.
The concept of embodied cognition has been used to explain a range of cognitive processes, including memory, attention, decision-making, and problem-solving. For example, studies have shown that physical movement can improve memory recall, and that physical activities can help people focus their attention. Studies have also suggested that physical activity can help people make better decisions, as it can improve their ability to think through different options and evaluate them more effectively. Finally, physical activities can also help people solve problems by providing a physical context in which to practice problem-solving skills.
Embodied cognition is an important concept for understanding how the body and its environment can affect our thinking processes. While the concept is still relatively new, it has already been applied in a variety of contexts, from education to healthcare. As the field of cognitive science continues to advance, embodied cognition will likely become even more important in our understanding of how the body and its environment affect our cognition.
References
Lakoff, G. (1987). Women, fire, and dangerous things: What categories reveal about the mind. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
Merleau-Ponty, M. (1962). Phenomenology of perception. London: Routledge & Kegan Paul.
Wilson, M. (2002). Six views of embodied cognition. Psychonomic Bulletin & Review, 9(4), 625-636.
Rosenbaum, D. A., & Kornblum, S. (1982). Joint action: Bodies, minds, and cooperation. In G. Stelmach & J. Requin (Eds.), Tutorials in motor behavior (pp. 675-698). Amsterdam: North-Holland.
Lorimer, H. (2008). Embodied cognition and the philosophy of perception. In B. Wheeler (Ed.), The Blackwell companion to the philosophy of action (pp. 449-466). Oxford: Blackwell.