David Chalmers on Technophiloosphy and the Extended Mind
Jan 22, 2024
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David Chalmers discusses the two-way interaction between technology and philosophy, exploring techno philosophy and the extended mind hypothesis. He examines the criteria for determining what can be considered part of one's mind and how technology has extended communication and knowledge. The podcast also delves into the relevance of the extended mind hypothesis in today's technology-driven world.
Techno philosophy involves thinking philosophically about technology and using technology to shed light on traditional philosophical questions.
The extended mind hypothesis argues that the tools and technology we use can extend our minds and become part of our mental processes, challenging traditional views of the mind as solely residing within the brain or body and offering a more complex understanding of the mind-body relationship.
Deep dives
Techno Philosophy: Exploring the Interaction between Philosophy and Technology
Techno philosophy is the two-way interaction between philosophy and technology. It involves thinking philosophically about technology, such as artificial intelligence and virtual reality, to make sense of them and using technology to shed light on traditional philosophical questions. For example, virtual reality can help understand knowledge of the external world, artificial intelligence can provide insights into the human mind, and smartphones can reveal the relationship between the mind and the body.
The Extended Mind Hypothesis: Technology as an Extension of the Mind
The extended mind hypothesis argues that the tools and technology we use can extend our minds and become part of our mental processes. This can range from simple acts like counting on our fingers to more complex instances like using smartphones as external memory banks. The constant coupling of these devices with us, along with criteria such as trust and automaticity, determine the extent to which they are considered an extension of the mind.
Implications for Understanding the Mind-Body Relationship and Communication
The concept of the extended mind challenges traditional views of the mind as solely residing within the brain or body. It suggests that the mind can extend into the environment, including language and external objects. This perspective blurs the boundaries of the mind and offers a more complex understanding of the mind-body relationship. Additionally, the use of technology, like smartphones and chat GPT, expands our communication capabilities and can be seen as extended communication, facilitating mental processes and connecting minds.