Contradictory Allies: A look at Relation R and Embodied/Extended/Embedded Cognition

Abstract

This thesis is an examination of Derek Parfit’s ‘relation R’ theory and the embodied/extended/embedded cognition(EC) theory. It argues that a synthesis between these two theories is desirable, despite the incompatible elements that exist between them. In service to this goal both theories are examined, primarily in the light of the counterarguments their proponents provide against their ideological adversaries. The paper argues that relation R and EC are natural allies opposed to dualism and that a synthesis would create a stronger anti-dualist position. It outlines boundary conditions for such a synthesized position and finally proposes one example of how relation R could be modified into a synthesis.