Embodied cognition, its philosophical basis and its potential relevance for educational sciences
Journal Title: Pedagogicka Orientace - Year 2013, Vol 23, Issue 3
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to describe the theory of embodied cognition, embed it in broader philosophical framework, and induct its potential contribution to educational sciences. Text progresses from clarifying the concept of embodiment, its origins in phenomenology (M. Merleau-Ponty) and use in cultural anthropology (T. J. Csordas). In the next section, we elaborate on the philosophical framework which had an impact on the theory of embodied cognition and suppression of the dualistic view of mind and body; we clarify aspects of embodiment complementing the image of embodiment. As part of the description of the contribution of the embodied cognition to educational sciences we focus on two areas: language and mathematics, which are considered to be largely cognitive and abstract concepts separate from the body. It has been shown that the theory of embodied cognition does not sufficiently explain what the body actually is, and what kind of body is discussed here. It follows from this that in both of the areas (language and mathematics) a particularly important aspect for the process of understanding abstract systems and learning is the research on and the importance of gestures and physical experience. We found that the asset of embodied cognition for educational sciences lies in the orientation toward bodily action, activity and impact of physical environment and bodily experience on cognition, which facilitate the learning process.
Authors and Affiliations
Zuzana Obertová
Keywords
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- EP ID EP131078
- DOI 10.5817/PedOr2013-3-298
- Views 119
- Downloads 0
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