ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

The Extended Mind

The extended mind is the idea that our mind is not just inside our head but can also include things outside of our body, like a computer or a notebook. It means that we can use things outside of our body to help us think and solve problems.

For example, imagine you are trying to remember what kind of fruit you want to buy at the grocery store. You can write a note on a piece of paper or put it in your phone, and then look back at it later when you go to the store. This means that your mind is using the paper or phone as an extension of itself to remember things.

Another example is if you are doing a math problem and you use a calculator. Your brain is still doing the thinking, but the calculator is helping you with the calculations. This means that your mind is using the calculator as an extension of itself to solve the problem.

In the same way, people can also use the internet to help them think and solve problems. They can look up information, use Google Maps to find directions, or use social media to connect with others who can help them with a project. The internet becomes an extension of their mind.

Overall, the extended mind theory suggests that our mind is not just limited to the inside of our head but can also include things outside of our body that we use to help us think and function better.