030107 Embodied Cognition: Past, Present, and Future (Venter, Wolf)

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Wednesday
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This seminar provides an in-depth exploration of embodied cognition, a cornerstone concept in cognitive science that posits the body as integral to shaping the mind. We will trace its historical roots and evolution, critically examine empirical evidence, and assess the concept's implications across traditional philosophical domains and emerging cognitive sciences. The course includes a review of seminal works by Varela, Thompson and Rosch (1991), and other pioneers, along with a thorough analysis of how sensory and motor systems influence cognitive functions. We'll delve into embodied cognition's application in language processing, problem-solving, and memory, and discuss its potential challenges to conventional cognitive science paradigms. Additionally, we'll explore its impact on psychology, neuroscience, artificial intelligence, and robotics, considering future research trends and the implications of its technological applications.