Making Sense with Sam Harris cover image

Making Sense with Sam Harris

#168 — Mind, Space, & Motion

Sep 11, 2019
Barbara Tversky and Sam Harris discuss the evolution of mind before language, the importance of imitation and gesture, mirror neurons, sense of direction, natural categories, and cognitive trade-offs in a captivating exploration of how space and motion shape our thoughts.
37:13

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Spatial thinking precedes language in human cognition, emphasizing the foundational role of spatial logic in shaping thought processes.
  • Gestures and imitations aid in understanding and memory retention by serving as spatial-motor representations that enhance cognitive processes.

Deep dives

Importance of Spatial Thinking and Embodied Cognition

Barbara Tversky, an expert in psychology, delves into her new book, 'Mind in Motion, How Action Shapes Thought,' discussing the evolution of mind prior to language and the significant role of spatial thinking in cognition. She emphasizes the precedence of spatial logic over language and the foundational nature of spatial cognition in human thinking.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode