Theories of Embodied Cognition

Theories of embodied cognition suggest that our thinking and understanding are deeply influenced by our physical body and sensory experiences. Instead of viewing the brain as separate from the body, these theories propose that cognitive processes are shaped by bodily interactions with the environment, such as movement, gestures, and perception. For example, reasoning about an object's size may involve sensorimotor cues, and emotions are tied to bodily states. This perspective emphasizes that our body and brain work together as a unified system, meaning our physical experiences play a crucial role in how we think, learn, and understand the world.