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Cognitive science as complexity science
1Department of Philosophy and Cognitive Sciences Program, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews. Cognitive Science
|February 12, 2020
Summary
Cognitive science faces methodological challenges due to nonlinear systems being analyzed with linear methods. A complexity science framework offers an interdisciplinary approach to resolve these tensions in studying cognition.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Science
- Complexity Science
- Interdisciplinary Studies
Background:
- Cognitive science traditionally analyzes complex phenomena.
- Methodological tensions exist between linear analysis methods and nonlinear cognitive systems.
- Contradictions arise from traditional investigative approaches in cognitive science.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose cognitive science as complexity science.
- To offer an interdisciplinary framework for investigating cognition.
- To dissolve contradictions and tensions in cognitive science methodologies.
Main Methods:
- Treating cognition as exhibiting emergence, nonlinearity, self-organization, and universality.
- Integrating concepts, methods, and theories from systems theory, nonlinear dynamical systems theory, and synergetics.
- Adopting a complexity science framework for cognitive investigations.
Main Results:
- A unified framework for investigating, explaining, and understanding cognition.
- Resolution of methodological tensions in cognitive science.
- A common set of practices for studying complex cognitive forms.
Conclusions:
- Cognitive science as complexity science provides a robust framework.
- This approach resolves inherent contradictions in traditional cognitive science.
- It enables a more comprehensive understanding of cognition's complex nature.
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