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The Sensus Communis of Situated Mind: Bridging the Gap Between Philosophy and Cognitive Science

Gerald Bell

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Published in Contextual Cognition: The Sensus Communis Of A Situated Mind (SpringerBriefs In Psychology)

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: Rethinking Consciousness and Its Surroundings

The nature of consciousness has long been a subject of philosophical inquiry and scientific exploration. Traditional philosophical approaches have often focused on the mind as a separate entity, distinct from the body and the environment. Cognitive science, on the other hand, has emphasized the role of the body and the environment in shaping our cognitive capacities.

Contextual Cognition: The Sensus Communis of a Situated Mind (SpringerBriefs in Psychology)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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The concept of the 'sensus communis' offers a unique perspective that bridges these two disciplines. It refers to a shared, pre-reflective awareness of the world that is grounded in our bodily experiences and our interactions with the environment. This concept challenges the traditional dichotomy between mind and body and provides a holistic understanding of consciousness.

The Sensus Communis: A Bridge Between Mind and World

The 'sensus communis' is not localized in any specific organ or brain region. Rather, it is a distributed phenomenon that arises from the integration of sensory inputs, bodily states, and environmental cues. This integration provides us with a continuous awareness of our surroundings and allows us to navigate the world effectively.

The 'sensus communis' is not static but rather dynamic and constantly adapts to changing conditions. It shapes our perception, cognition, and behavior. For example, research has shown that the presence of others can influence our sense of agency, while the physical environment can impact our spatial reasoning and decision-making.

Embodied Cognition and the Role of the Environment

The 'sensus communis' highlights the embodied nature of cognition. Our understanding of the world is not separate from our bodily experiences. The body is not merely a container for the mind but an active participant in shaping our cognitive processes.

The environment also plays a crucial role in shaping our 'sensus communis'. Our sensory inputs, bodily states, and social interactions are all influenced by the physical and social context in which we find ourselves. This dynamic relationship between the mind, body, and environment challenges the traditional notion of a mind independent of its surroundings.

Implications for Philosophy and Cognitive Science

The 'sensus communis' has profound implications for both philosophy and cognitive science. It provides a new framework for understanding consciousness, cognition, and the relationship between mind and world.

In philosophy, the 'sensus communis' challenges the traditional Cartesian dualism of mind and body. It suggests that consciousness is not an isolated phenomenon but rather an emergent property of our embodied and situated existence.

For cognitive science, the 'sensus communis' provides a theoretical foundation for embodied cognition. It highlights the importance of sensory, bodily, and environmental factors in shaping our cognitive processes. This understanding can inform the development of new cognitive models and improve our understanding of human behavior.

: A New Paradigm for Consciousness

The 'sensus communis' offers a revolutionary perspective on consciousness and its relationship to the mind, body, and environment. It bridges the gap between philosophy and cognitive science, providing a holistic understanding of the human experience. This groundbreaking concept has the potential to transform our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

Contextual Cognition: The Sensus Communis of a Situated Mind (SpringerBriefs in Psychology)

5 out of 5