THE COGNITIVE PROCESS: A SYMBOLIST AND EMBODIED VIEW

• Main Authors: Iandra Pavanati, Lúcia Morais Kinceler, Rose Maria Belim Motter, Francisco Antonio Pereira Fialho, Neri dos Santos
• Format: Article
• Language: Portuguese
• Published: Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Paraná 2009-12-01
• Series: Travessias
• Subjects: cognição; simbolismo; corporeidade.
• Online Access: http://e-revista.unioeste.br/index.php/travessias/article/view/3426

The cognition process has its origins in the greek philosophers, who started scientific studies on mental processes by questioning about perception, memory and thought. Since then, several theories try to explain the fundamental concepts behind the cognition process. Some theorists believe that knowledge starts in the mind, regardless of the individuals experience. Others believe that knowledge depends on the individuals world perception based on his/her own observations. This paper deals with considerations on the origin of the ideas as the ground of these epistemologies, known as rationalism and realism or empiricism, which are the foundations of the cognition theories. The historical evolution of cognitive science is presented, with special attention to the symbolist, conexionist and embodied paradigms. After that, a parallel between symbolism and embodied cognition theories is established. We conclude that cognition has an intimate relation with mind and physical experience as interactional factors.