Until the early 1980’s, Cognitive Science aimed to explain
cognitive phenomena in computational terms. Since then it has changed
dramatically in both its aims and methodology. First, its focus has
expanded to cover both the full scope of the mind (e.g., emotions,
motivation) and the system formed by the brain and the environment within
which it functions (e.g., embodied and distributed cognition, mediated
action). Second, its dominant approach, the traditional symbolic
paradigm, is challenged and extended by a number of competing approaches
(e.g., connectionism, dynamical systems).
Research in our Lab reflects this expansion and attempts to create an alternative unifying approach to Cognitive Science. The linking theme of CSL research is: Communication in Humans and Robots. The following topics illustrate aspects of our highly interdisciplinary theme:
Methodologically, the Laboratory focuses on the cognitive and social levels from the perspectives of Artificial Intelligence, Philosophy of Mind, and Cognitive and Social Psychology.
