This document discusses the embodied cognition metatheory. It explains that embodied cognition challenges the traditional view that cognition is confined to the brain by emphasizing that thoughts and understanding are closely connected to bodily experiences and interactions with the environment. The document provides examples of how pandas use their senses and bodies like vision, smell, hearing, teeth, and climbing to gather information about their surroundings and communicate with others. It describes a story about a panda named Oreo and how she relies on her embodied abilities at different stages of her life to explore her environment, find food, mark her territory, and learn skills. The document suggests embodied cognition has implications for fields like education, robotics, and AI.

1. Metatheoretical Panda
ISCI801: Theoretical Issues in Library and Information Science
Information Science School, University of South Carolina
Samaneh Borji
November 2023

2. Embodied Cognition
Metatheory
Embodied Cognition is a
metatheory that challenges
traditional cognitive science by
emphasizing the role of the body
and its interactions with the
environment in shaping cognition.

3. Body and Mind
Connection
Embodied Cognition
challenges the traditional idea
that cognition is confined to
the brain. Instead, it
emphasizes that our thoughts
and understanding are closely
connected to our bodily
experiences. For example, the
way we perceive and
understand concepts is
influenced by our physical
sensations and movements.

4. Simulation and
Interaction
Embodied cognition proposes that our
minds simulate or mentally reenact
experiences to understand and respond
to the world. This mental simulation is
not just a passive process but is actively
influenced by our interactions with the
environment. This perspective
challenges the idea that cognition is
merely about internal representations of
the world.

5. Learning through
Movement
The theory suggests that our cognitive
abilities are not just the result of abstract
information processing but are deeply
linked to our movements and interactions.
Learning is seen as a dynamic process,
with physical actions playing a significant
role in shaping our understanding of the
world.

6. Context Matters
Unlike theories that treat the mind as
separate from the environment,
embodied cognition stresses the
importance of context. It argues that
cognitive processes are shaped by the
specific situations and surroundings in
which they occur. This means that
understanding a situation or concept
involves considering the context in
which it occurs.

7. Practical
Implications
Understanding cognition as
embodied has practical
implications. For example,
educators might design learning
experiences that involve physical
activities to enhance understanding.
In fields like robotics and artificial
intelligence, this perspective might
influence the development of
systems that learn from physical
interactions with the environment.

8. Extended Mind
The concept of the "extended mind"
suggests that cognitive processes can
extend beyond the individual's body
and brain. It includes the idea that
external tools and even other
individuals can be part of the
cognitive system. This challenges the
notion of a rigid boundary between
the mind and the external world.

9. Embodied Cognition explores the
complex connections between the
mind, body, and environment in
understanding human cognition.

10. How Do Pandas Use
Information?
We are going to answer this
question through the lens of
Embodied Cognition
Metatheory

11. Different Pandas’ Embodied Information
Practices could be through:
Visual Perception
Auditory Perception and vocalization
Olfactory Perception and scent marking (Pandas have scent glands
on their backside for scent marking )
Tactile Sensitivity

12. The Story of a
panda called
“Oreo”

13. This is "Oreo" and her family!

14. Let’s have accessories to distinguish them!

15. Oreo’s mother is conveying
information to Oreo’s father…
Breeding Season: Both
males and females use
scents markings and sounds
to find suitable mates and
communicate their
reproductive status.

16. Oreo was born!
As Oreo grows up, she has more
information needs to know and
communicate with her environment. So, to
meet her information needs, she relies on
her body.

17. Oreo is exploring her
environment through her
body to get information…
Visual Perception: Pandas rely on their well-
developed eyesight to visually identify
objects and assess potential food sources.
Oreo visually assesses the quality and
quantity of bamboo, demonstrating her
ability to recognize and evaluate objects in
her environment.
Paw Usage: Pandas extensively use their
front paws for various activities, including
holding and eating bamboo. Oreo touches
bamboo using her paws to evaluate and get
more information about them.

18. Auditory Perception
The keen hearing of pandas allows them to detect environmental sounds, such as the rustling of leaves or the
movement of other animals. This auditory perception contributes to their overall awareness of their surroundings and
potential threats. Oreo uses environmental sounds as a source of information to be aware of potential threats.

19. Oreo is interested in
obtaining more information
about bamboo!
Specialized Teeth: Pandas have
special teeth designed for their
bamboo diet. Strong jaw
muscles and broad molars help
them efficiently crush process,
evaluate, and assess bamboo
stems. Oreo can also assess her
food and gather information
about its taste using her teeth.

20. Oreo’s bamboo location
information seeking!
Oreo looks for any signs and
information that can be a sign
of the location of bamboo
(information seeking). She
relies on her body’s abilities
such as smelling bamboo to
find bamboo.

21. Oreo communicates with her friends through
vocalizations, body language, scent marking, and
tactile interactions.

22. Using her body ability to
convey information
about her space!
Territorial Behavior: Pandas
establish and defend their territories
using scent marking and
vocalizations, showing awareness of
their environment. Oreo marks her
territory with scents and sounds,
communicating with a playful
squirrel that occasionally enters her
space.

23. Learning skills
through body!
Climbing Skills: Pandas are
capable climbers, and their
ability to climb trees is both a
defensive mechanism and a
way to access different parts of
their habitat. Oreo practices
climbing to gather information
about how to climb.

24. Oreo benefits from
misleading information!
Pattern Recognition: Pandas'
distinctive black and white body
serves a dual purpose. This pattern
helps them blend in, reducing the risk
of detection by predators or potential
threats. Other animals cannot find
Oreo because of the misleading
information they receive due to
Oreo’s black and white body.

25. Discussion
Leading
These are the Gifts
for those who answer

26. Question 1
1. If our thoughts were
designed by dance moves, how
might Embodied Cognition
redefine the way we understand
the mind-body connection?

27. Question 2
2. If Oreo had a podcast, what
unique insights about her
information and
communication practices might
she share?

28. Question 3
4. Imagine a day in the life of
Oreo as a detective solving
mysteries using her unique
panda senses. What kind of
adventures would she embark
on, and how would her
embodied cognition play a
key role?

29. Thank you!
Samaneh Borji
sborji@email.sc.edu