The extended mind theory

The extended mind thesis

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is the subject of a 1998 essay written by philosophers Andy Clark and David Chalmers. It suggests that the human mind is not limited to the brain or body but can be extended to tools, environments and objects.

For example, if I trace a route on a tree to remember how to navigate a forest, the tree on which I’ve written this route becomes a part of my mind because it acts as a delegation of my cognitive function. As a matter of fact, any accurate maps you use act as a prosthetic extension of your mind.

The principles:

• Must be able to replace internal biological context
• Must be true and reliable
• Must be accessible

This is attainable with;

1. Digital devices
   1. Taking notes
   2. A calendar
   3. Text messages
2. Physical tools
   1. Physical notebook
   2. Whiteboard
   3. Sticky notes
3. Spatial interactions
   1. Recalling the path to a location based on environmental cues
   2. Using the stars to determine the north
   3. Predicting the rain with the darkness of clouds