Abstract
Most thinking about cognition proceeds on the assumption that we are born with our primary cognitive faculties intact and they simply need to mature, or be fine-tuned by learning mechanisms. Alternatively, a growing number of thinkers are aligning themselves to the view that a process of enculturation transforms our basic biological faculties. What evidence is there for this process of enculturation? A long period of development, learning-driven plasticity, and a cultural environment suffused with practices, symbols, and complex social interactions all speak in its favour. In this paper I will sketch in outline the commitments of the encultur- ated approach and then look at the case of mathematical cognition as a central example of enculturation. I will then defend the account against several objections.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Open MIND |
Editors | Thomas Metzinger, Jennifer M. Windt |
Place of Publication | Frankfurt am Main |
Publisher | MIND Group |
Pages | 1-20 |
Number of pages | 20 |
ISBN (Print) | 9783958570818, 9783958571020 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2015 |