Embodied Cognition VS Computational Theory of Mind

"Is your mind really a computer? “

Let's look at the debate between embodied cognition and computational theory of mind.

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Computational theory of mind (CTM) proposes that the mind is like a computer that processes information symbolically. CTM theorists say that mental processes can be explained purely in terms of symbolic manipulation and information processing algorithms.

Embodied cognition (EC) theorists OTH emphasize the importance of sensorimotor experience, perception, and action in shaping cognitive processes. It suggests that the body and the environment play a central role in shaping how we think and how the mind evolved.

While CTM has led to some success in modeling complex cognitive processes like vision and language, supporting the idea that the mind is computational, this approach neglects the importance of sensory and motor processes in shaping cognition.

According to EC, perception, action, and cognition are all deeply interconnected. Our cognitive processes are shaped by our physical interactions with the world, so a purely symbolic approach to cognition misses important aspects of how the human brain and mind works.

CTM argues that the brain's neural networks carry out computations analogous to those performed by a computer & that all mental states + processes can be modeled bc they’re symbolic. They view the environment as yet another simulacra to be turned into symbols for processing

EC proponents suggest that not everything can be transformed or reduced into a coherent model or set of symbols to be processed. “Computational irreducibility” is real. Cognition is more complicated than the manipulation of abstract symbols. It is a relationship with environment!

The debate between CTM and embodied cognition is ongoing, and while CTM has been successful in modeling certain aspects of cognition, it may be too reductionist and neglectful of the embodied nature of human cognition to fully capture the complexity of the mind.

Embodied cognition suggests that a more holistic approach to understanding the mind is needed. This approach takes into account both the symbolic manipulation of information, the role of the body and the physical relationship between an organism and its environment. 

Ultimately, this debate highlights the complex nature of the mind, and the fact that we shouldn’t get too ahead of ourselves when thinking about AI. It may be that capturing the complexity of human cognition will always remain out of reach because the process is not computational