Mindware Ch. 8: "Cognitive Technology "

Theme of the reading
In this chapter Clark presents a possible solution to the BIG problem in cognitive science, the problem of bridging the gap between low-level embodied, environmentally embedded cognition and high-level, abstract thought. The answer, he says, is that "We, more than any other creature on the planet, deploy non-biological wideware (instruments, media, notations) to complement our basic biological modes of processing, creating extended cognitive systems whose computational and problem-solving profiles are quite different from those of the naked brain." (Clark, 2001:150) It is important to notice that this claim asserts that the answer to the big puzzle of cognitive science is not to be found inside the brain.

Getting ready to read
Definitions:

Symbiosis: a relationship of mutual benefit or dependence.

UR-technology: Ur was an ancient city in Mesopotamia (southwestern portion of modern-day Iraq). Using "UR-technology" this way is meant to suggest an ancient and foundational technology.

Reading
Orienting questions and issues to keep in mind:
What does Clark mean by the term "Wideware"?
What is the "paradox of active stupidity"?
What does it have to do with the story of how humans got smart?

Watch for the relations between Neural constructivism (explained on pg 152) and cognitive dovetailing. Together these ideas produce an effect in which brain develops structures that are suited to the technological environment in which it matures. How does Clark think this happens?

Errata: page 158. The phrase "within the benefits of any kind of stable, unique, centralized control." Should read "without the benefits of any kind of stable, unique, centralized control."

Mindware Ch. 9: "(Not Really a) Conclusion"

Theme of the reading
This is a brief reflection on the central argument of the book.

Getting ready to read
Definitions:

Constitutively: adjective meaning that something has a particular property as part of its fundamental constitution.

Reading
Orienting questions and issues to keep in mind:
What does Clark mean when he says the mind is "leaky"?
What does he conclude about the usefulness of the "mindware as software: metaphor?