Imagine your mind as a solo artist, performing on a stage. But what if I told you that your mind is never truly alone, but is constantly interacting with the world around it? That’s right! The field of cognitive science has long recognized the importance of social interaction in shaping our thoughts and behaviors. In fact, some scientists argue that interaction is not just a complicating factor, but an essential part of cognition itself. Just like a band relies on the interaction between its members to create harmonious music, our minds benefit from the collaborative dance of interacting minds. This interactive perspective has the potential to revolutionize how we understand cognition and pave the way for exciting interdisciplinary research. So, what can the cognitive sciences gain from embracing this perspective? The answer lies in a figure-ground reversal, where interaction takes center stage and becomes the focal point of inquiry. By shifting our focus from single minds to collaborative processes, we can uncover new insights and challenge long-held assumptions. To unlock the full power of interaction in cognitive science, we need to embrace this interactive stance and make it an integral part of our toolkit. Are you ready to dive into the fascinating world of interacting minds? Check out the full article to learn more!
Abstract
A fundamental fact about human minds is that they are never truly alone: all minds are steeped in situated interaction. That social interaction matters is recognized by any experimentalist who seeks to exclude its influence by studying individuals in isolation. On this view, interaction complicates cognition. Here, we explore the more radical stance that interaction co-constitutes cognition: that we benefit from looking beyond single minds toward cognition as a process involving interacting minds. All around the cognitive sciences, there are approaches that put interaction center stage. Their diverse and pluralistic origins may obscure the fact that collectively, they harbor insights and methods that can respecify foundational assumptions and fuel novel interdisciplinary work. What might the cognitive sciences gain from stronger interactional foundations? This represents, we believe, one of the key questions for the future. Writing as a transdisciplinary collective assembled from across the classic cognitive science hexagon and beyond, we highlight the opportunity for a figure-ground reversal that puts interaction at the heart of cognition. The interactive stance is a way of seeing that deserves to be a key part of the conceptual toolkit of cognitive scientists.
Dr. David Lowemann, M.Sc, Ph.D., is a co-founder of the Institute for the Future of Human Potential, where he leads the charge in pioneering Self-Enhancement Science for the Success of Society. With a keen interest in exploring the untapped potential of the human mind, Dr. Lowemann has dedicated his career to pushing the boundaries of human capabilities and understanding.
Armed with a Master of Science degree and a Ph.D. in his field, Dr. Lowemann has consistently been at the forefront of research and innovation, delving into ways to optimize human performance, cognition, and overall well-being. His work at the Institute revolves around a profound commitment to harnessing cutting-edge science and technology to help individuals lead more fulfilling and intelligent lives.
Dr. Lowemann’s influence extends to the educational platform BetterSmarter.me, where he shares his insights, findings, and personal development strategies with a broader audience. His ongoing mission is shaping the way we perceive and leverage the vast capacities of the human mind, offering invaluable contributions to society’s overall success and collective well-being.