How to build a better 4E cognition.

A commentary argues that the embodied cognitive neuroscience approach proposed by Mougenot and Matheson can help resolve internal tensions within 4E cognition (embodied, embedded, enactive, extended). The approach combines embodied cognition with mechanistic explanation, offering benefits beyond general theoretical robustness—it specifically addresses conflicts among 4E frameworks without requiring neuroscientific reductionism or complete autonomy of psychology from neuroscience.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Mougenot and Matheson outline a theoretical approach to cognitive neuroscience that combines the commitments of embodied cognition with a mechanistic approach to scientific explanation. They argue that this theoretical approach provides several general benefits, including enabling researchers to develop more robust theories and ontologies that do not require either neuroscientific reductionism or the complete autonomy of psychology from neuroscience. In this commentary, I argue that the sort of embodied cognitive neuroscience that they envision has a more specific benefit: it has the potential to help resolve internal tensions within 4E cognition.