Author Description
Socially Extended Epistemology explores the epistemological ramifications of one of the most important research programmes in contemporary cognitive science: distributed cognition. In certain conditions, according to this programme, groups of people can generate distributed cognitive systems that consist of all participating members. This volume brings together a range of distinguished and early career academics, from a variety of different perspectives, to investigate the very idea of socially extended epistemology. They ask, for example: can distributed cognitive systems generate knowledge in a similar way to individuals? And if so, how, if at all, does this kind of knowledge differ from normal, individual knowledge? The first part of the volume examines foundational issues, including from a critical perspective. The second part of the volume turns to applications of this idea, and the new theoretical directions that it might take us. These include the ethical ramifications of socially extended epistemology, its societal impact, and its import for emerging digital technologies.
Menrva's Summary
THE THESIS
This volume investigates whether distributed cognitive systems, composed of multiple individuals, can generate knowledge in a manner analogous to individual human cognition. The editors, Andy Clark, J. Adam Carter, and Jesper Kallestrup, curate a collection of essays from diverse academic perspectives to examine the theoretical and practical implications of socially extended epistemology. By bridging cognitive science and traditional epistemology, the contributors evaluate how group-based knowledge systems function and how they differ from standard individualistic models of knowing.
THE SCOPE MAP
What You Will Find
- Foundational theoretical frameworks regarding distributed cognition and knowledge generation.
- Critical analysis of the boundaries between individual and collective cognitive systems.
- Explorations of the ethical and societal ramifications of socially extended knowledge.
- Discussions on the impact of emerging digital technologies on cognitive distribution.
Scope Limits
- The text does not provide a singular, unified theory of social epistemology but rather presents a variety of competing perspectives.
- It does not focus on empirical psychological testing but remains primarily within the realm of philosophical and theoretical inquiry.
THE AUTHORITY PERSPECTIVE
Experts identify this volume as a significant contribution to the intersection of philosophy of mind and social epistemology. Readers frequently note the academic density of the prose, which is intended for scholars and advanced students familiar with contemporary cognitive science debates.
Page Count:
326
Publication Date:
2018-01-01
ISBN-10:
019252190X
ISBN-13:
9780192521903
Philosophy
Mind & Body
Technology and Society
Social Philosophy
Distributed Cognition
Epistemology