The Importance of Concepts in Language

In this episode, Wendy speaks with cognitive psychologist Larry Barsalou about his work on grounded cognition, concepts, stress, and habits. Their conversation covers many topics, including:

• a historical look at how psychology has viewed and studied the mind;
• simulation and prediction in the brain;
• what a concept is, and benefits and harms they can bring;
• stereotypes, implicit bias, and how we might change them;
• the "situated action" cycle that drives our behavior;
• understanding habits, and the role of mindfulness in breaking unhealthy habits;
• how humans form self-concepts, and how meditation can help us move beyond them;
• the importance of context (situatedness) in cognition, and how to study it scientifically;
• and how he got interested in contemplative science.

Full show notes and resources