The Santiago theory of cognition, also known as the Santiago theory of mind, is a conceptual framework in cognitive science that aims to explain how the mind operates. It was developed by Francisco Varela, Humberto Maturana, and Ricardo B. Uribe at the University of Chile in the 1970s.
According to the Santiago theory of cognition, the mind should not be viewed as a separate entity but rather as an embodied and dynamic process that emerges from the interactions between the nervous system, the body, and the environment. This theory argues that cognition is not simply the result of an internal representation of the world, but rather a continuous and mutually constitutive interaction between the individual and the environment.
In this framework, cognition is seen as a situated and enactive process, meaning that it is inseparable from the physical and social context in which it occurs. The mind actively constructs knowledge by perceiving and acting on the environment, and this reciprocal relationship between the individual and the world shapes our experience and understanding of reality.
The Santiago theory of cognition emphasizes the importance of autonomy and self-organization in cognitive processes. It suggests that the mind is not a passive recipient of information but an active agent that actively participates in the construction of meaning and knowledge.
Overall, the Santiago theory of cognition provides a holistic and dynamic perspective on how the mind works, highlighting the interconnectedness between the individual, the body, and the environment in shaping our cognitive processes and understanding of the world.
