Social Sciences in China (Chinese Edition)

No.9, 2020

Approaches to the Cross-integration of Philosophy and Cognitive Science

(Abstract)

Liu Xiaoli

In the context of generalized embodied cognitive theory, the investigation of several topical issues in the three approaches of cognitive psychology, neuroscience, and artificial intelligence, the most representative and currently most active of the cognitive sciences, can reveal the theoretical dilemma these approaches face and a possible exit strategy. As far as the representation of the issue of cognitive psychology is concerned, it must be admitted that in addition to propositional representation, taking body-based perceptual representation as the original form of representation provides a causal explanation of cognition and action in the basal layer. As far as neuroscience is concerned, a feasible route for deciphering the consciousness problem lies in a comprehensive study of the first person and the third person; while for artificial intelligence, using a combination of top-down and bottom-up methods to construct a cognitive framework of the mind is recommended. In future, a trustworthy moral entity that satisfies human values while bearing in mind gains from machines should be an extended cognitive system that integrates man and machine. In the course of these investigations, it can be seen that under certain conditions, philosophy and cutting-edge cognitive science not only constitute a two-way challenge, but also have the effect of two-way promotion of the development of science and philosophy. This effect provides an important stimulus for the realization of a path of cross-integration of philosophy and cognitive science.