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Minding the gut: extending embodied cognition and perception to the gut complex
Federico Boem1, Gregor P Greslehner2, Jan Pieter Konsman3
1Section Philosophy, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands.
Frontiers in Neuroscience
|January 23, 2024
Summary
The gut, with its "second brain" (enteric nervous system), influences cognition and perception. This study proposes including the gut complex in embodied cognition theories for a more holistic understanding.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Science
- Neuroscience
- Philosophy of Mind
Background:
- Traditional cognition/perception theories focus on the brain and external senses.
- Embodied cognition extends this to include the body, but often overlooks the gut.
- The gut possesses an enteric nervous system (the "second brain"), immune functions, and interacts with microbiota.
Purpose of the Study:
- To argue for the inclusion of the gut in embodied perception and cognition.
- To propose the concept of the "gut complex" for a comprehensive view.
- To extend current embodiment theories by incorporating gut-brain interactions.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis and theoretical argumentation.
- Review of existing literature on gut physiology and cognition.
- Integration of findings from neuroscience, immunology, and microbiology.
Main Results:
- The gut, through its enteric nervous system, endocrine, immune, and microbiota systems, plays a significant role in physiological processes.
- The gut complex acts as a crucial interface between the body and the gut lumen environment.
- The gut's influence extends beyond digestion to potentially impact perception and cognition.
Conclusions:
- Embodied cognition and perception theories should incorporate the "gut complex" for a more complete understanding.
- The gut is integral to organismic activity, not just food intake.
- A "mind the gut" approach is necessary for studying cognitive processes comprehensively.
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