Abstract

We propose here to assess the notion of «extended mind» as a useful tool for research on human cognition and human activities, by focusing more on its functions than on ontological considerations. More specifically, our aim in this issue of "Reti Saperi Linguaggi" is to put together approaches from archeology and philosophy, in order to show the complex interplay between mind and matter: minds have to be seen both as embedded into the world and decoupled from it, insofar as humans are able to create and use external scaffolds, which in turn deeply change their cognitivity.