Cognitive extension, enhancement, and the phenomenology of thinking

Phenomenology and the Cognitive Sciences 16 (1):33-51 (2017)
  Copy   BIBTEX

Abstract

This paper brings together several strands of thought from both the analytic and phenomenological traditions in order to critically examine accounts of cognitive enhancement that rely on the idea of cognitive extension. First, I explain the idea of cognitive extension, the metaphysics of mind on which it depends, and how it has figured in recent discussions of cognitive enhancement. Then, I develop ideas from Husserl that emphasize the agential character of thought and the distinctive way that conscious thoughts are related to one another. I argue that these considerations are necessary for understanding why forms of cognitive extension may diminish our cognitive lives in different ways. This does not lead to a categorical rejection of cognitive enhancement as unethical or bad for human flourishing, but does warrant a conservative approach to the design and implementation of cognitive artifacts.

Other Versions

No versions found

Similar books and articles

Extended mind and cognitive enhancement: Moral aspects of cognitive artifacts.Richard Heersmink - 2017 - Phenomenology and the Cognitive Sciences 16 (1):17-32.
Koncepcje wzmocnienia poznawczego. Próba definicji oraz przegląd metod.Artur Gunia - 2015 - Avant: Trends in Interdisciplinary Studies 6 (2-3):35-56.
The Epistemology of Cognitive Enhancement.J. Adam Carter & Duncan Pritchard - 2016 - Journal of Medicine and Philosophy (2):220-242.
Integration of cognitive and moral enhancement.Vojin Rakic - 2012 - Filozofija I Društvo 23 (2):91-103.
Cognitive Enhancement and the Value of Cognitive Achievement.Ju Wang - 2020 - Journal of Applied Philosophy 38 (1):121-135.
Cognitive practices and cognitive character.Richard Menary - 2012 - Philosophical Explorations 15 (2):147 - 164.
Cognitive Phenomenology.Tim Bayne & Michelle Montague (eds.) - 2011 - Oxford, GB: Oxford University Press UK.

Analytics

Added to PP
2016-03-17

Downloads
1,063 (#19,101)

6 months
183 (#19,122)

Historical graph of downloads
How can I increase my downloads?

Author's Profile

Philip Walsh
Gartner (Research and Advisory Consulting Firm)

References found in this work

The extended mind.Andy Clark & David J. Chalmers - 1998 - Analysis 58 (1):7-19.
Phenomenology of Perception.Maurice Merleau-Ponty - 1945 - New York: Routledge. Edited by Donald A. Landes.
Phenomenology of Perception.Maurice Merleau-Ponty - 1962 - New York: Routledge. Edited by Donald A. Landes.
Phenomenology of Perception.Maurice Merleau-Ponty - 1945/1962 - New York: Routledge. Edited by Donald A. Landes.

View all 86 references / Add more references