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Beyond Single-Mindedness: A Figure-Ground Reversal for the Cognitive Sciences.
Mark Dingemanse1, Andreas Liesenfeld1, Marlou Rasenberg1,2
1Centre for Language Studies, Radboud University.
Cognitive Science
|January 10, 2023
Summary
Human minds are fundamentally shaped by social interaction. Viewing cognition as an interactive process, rather than isolated, offers new insights for cognitive science.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Science
- Social Interaction
- Human Cognition
Background:
- Traditional cognitive science often isolates individuals to study cognition.
- This approach overlooks the fundamental role of social interaction in shaping cognitive processes.
Discussion:
- This paper advocates for a paradigm shift, viewing cognition as co-constituted by interacting minds.
- It highlights diverse approaches within cognitive science that place interaction at the forefront.
Key Insights:
- Interaction is not merely an influence on cognition but a core component.
- Adopting an 'interactive stance' can enrich the conceptual toolkit of cognitive scientists.
- This perspective encourages interdisciplinary work by integrating insights from various cognitive science fields.
Outlook:
- Stronger interactional foundations are crucial for the future of cognitive science.
- A figure-ground reversal, prioritizing interaction, can redefine foundational assumptions.
- This interdisciplinary approach promises novel research avenues and deeper understanding of the mind.
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