Reflexões sobre a tese da mente estendida : entre a crítica de Weiskopf e o olhar para o externalismo ativo

Abstract

The dissertation examines the Extended Mind Thesis (EMT), a pioneering initiative by Clark and Chalmers (1998), which posits that mental states and processes extend beyond the physical limits of the individual through interaction with the external environment. The research aims to elucidate this thesis by directly addressing Weiskopf's criticisms regarding the principle of parity, which advocates for functional equivalence between internal and external components in the formation of cognition. Utilizing a rich bibliographical framework, with special attention to Brazilian authors contributing to the discussion of externalism, the work investigates the implications of this expansion of the mind for contemporary understanding of cognition, excluding direct applications in health and education as they are not the focus of the study. By highlighting the interdependence between mind, body, and environment, this research challenges traditional notions of cognition and suggests new directions for future investigations in this expanding field.