Making Sense with Sam Harris
#168 — Mind, Space, & Motion
Sep 11, 2019
In this engaging conversation, Barbara Tversky, an Emeritus professor of psychology at Stanford and expert in spatial thinking, joins to explore the connections between mind, space, and motion. They discuss how our understanding of space predates language and the role of gestures in communication. Tversky explains the influence of mirror neurons on cognition and the complexity of spatial reasoning. The impact of technology on navigation skills and the relationship between body movement and thought are also intriguing focal points that resonate throughout the discussion.
37:13
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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.
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