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How does externalism relate to cognitive science and neuroscience?

  • Philosophy -> Epistemology and Theory of Knowledge

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How does externalism relate to cognitive science and neuroscience?

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Patti O'Riordan

Externalism is a big word that means how the things outside of our minds affect our thinking and understanding.

For example, imagine you see a banana. You know it's a banana because of its yellow color and shape. But how do you know that yellow and that shape belong to a banana? You learned that from other people who told you that yellow and that shape go together to make a banana.

Externalism is important in cognitive science and neuroscience because it helps us understand how our minds are shaped by our experiences in the world. Our brains take in information from the things around us, and that information helps us make sense of the world.

Externalism also helps us understand how language works. When we use words, we don't just use them on their own. We use them in connection with things in the world. For example, we don't just say "apple." We say "an apple" or "the apple over there." The word "apple" doesn't mean anything on its own. It only has meaning when we use it to refer to something in the world.

Overall, externalism is an important idea in cognitive science and neuroscience because it helps us understand how our minds are shaped by the world outside of us. By studying how external factors affect our thinking and understanding, we can learn more about how our brains work and how we can use that knowledge to improve our lives.

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