Explaining 4e Cognition: A Comprehensive Guide from Wikipedia
4e cognition is a theoretical framework that explores the different ways people perceive and interact with their environment. This framework is based on four core principles: embodied, embedded, extended, and enactive cognition. These principles are closely related and help to explain how the mind processes information and creates meaning.
Embodied cognition
Embodied cognition is the idea that the body plays a crucial role in shaping and directing our cognitive processes. This view suggests that the mind is not just located in the brain but is also spread throughout the body, with different parts of the body contributing to different aspects of cognition.
For example, research into embodied cognition has shown that physical movements can influence our thought processes and decision-making. This means that simply moving our bodies in different ways can help to stimulate different types of thinking and enhance our problem-solving abilities.
Embedded cognition
Embedded cognition is the idea that our cognitive processes are closely linked to our physical and social environments. This view suggests that our understanding of the world is shaped by the people, objects, and spaces around us.
This idea is closely related to the concept of situated cognition, which suggests that knowledge is not just located inside our heads but is also distributed across the environment. For instance, a person might use notes, diagrams, or tools to help them remember information and solve problems.
Extended cognition
Extended cognition is the idea that our cognitive processes are not just limited to our brain and body but can also extend into the environment around us. This view suggests that we often use tools or technology to help us think and solve problems.
For example, imagine a person trying to remember a phone number. Rather than trying to hold the number in their head, they may use their phone to store the number instead. Additionally, a person with a disability may use a prosthetic device to extend their capabilities and augment their cognitive processes.
Enactive cognition
Enactive cognition is the idea that our cognitive processes are based on our interactions with the world around us. This view suggests that we create meaning by actively engaging with our environment and using our senses to generate information.
For example, imagine a person trying to learn a new skill. Rather than simply reading about the skill or watching someone else do it, they may need to actively engage with the skill themselves in order to truly understand it.
Conclusion
Overall, the 4e cognition framework offers a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of how the mind processes information and creates meaning. By exploring the principles of embodied, embedded, extended, and enactive cognition, researchers can gain insight into the complex interplay between our minds and the world around us.
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