Article

The Overextended Mind

by Shaun Gallagher

in Versus n. 112-113, The External Mind. Perspectives on Semiosis, Distribution and Situation in Cognition, pp.57-68

Abstract (english)

I suggest that the extended mind hypothesis can be extended further and in interesting ways if we consider that various mental processes like problem solving may extend not only over body and ready-to-hand technologies, but also institutional practices. I consider the use of the legal system as an example where certain cognitive processes depend on specific institutional rules. This notion of the extended mind may also present opportunity to ask critical questions about the possibilities and the limitations of such practices.