The following text discusses cognitive science.
The extended mind thesis, proposed by philosophers Andy Clark and David Chalmers, challenges the assumption that cognition occurs solely within the brain. They argue that cognitive processes can extend beyond the skull, incorporating environmental resources. A person with Alzheimer's disease who uses a notebook for memory, they suggest, is not merely aided by the notebook—the notebook is part of their cognitive system. If the same functional role were played by neurons, we would consider it cognition; why should location matter? This view has profound implications for understanding mind, self, and the boundaries of the person.
What is the central claim of the extended mind thesis?
Cognition occurs only within biological brains
External tools can become genuine parts of cognitive systems
Notebooks cannot aid memory in any way
The mind has fixed, clearly defined boundaries
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the correct answer. The thesis argues "cognitive processes can extend beyond the skull, incorporating environmental resources" and that a notebook "is part of their cognitive system."
- Evidence: Notebook as part of cognitive system, not just aid.
- Reasoning: Functional role, not location, determines cognition.
- Conclusion: External tools can genuinely become cognitive.
Choice A is incorrect because this is what the thesis challenges. Choice C is incorrect because notebooks clearly do aid and may be part of cognition. Choice D is incorrect because the thesis questions fixed boundaries.