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Distribution of cognition between minds and artifacts: Augmentation of mediation?

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Abstract

Two approaches to externally distributed individual cognition are contrasted in the paper. The first begins with making a distinction between minds and artifacts, both considered as structural components of larger-scale cognitive systems, while the second focuses on the dynamic coordination of internal and external resources within the context of human interaction with the world. Conceptual limitations of the first approach are discussed. The notion of functional organs is introduced and applied for identifying the types of abilities associated with efficient integration of artifacts into the structure of human activity.

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Kaptelinin, V. Distribution of cognition between minds and artifacts: Augmentation of mediation?. AI & Soc 10, 15–25 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02716751

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