Simplexifying: harnessing the power of enlanguaged cognition

Abstract Looking beyond the internalism–externalism debate, we offer a distributed view of how experience can garner linguistic and mental content. To make case, first, challenge idea that cognition is organism-centered synchronistic. Instead, use Berthoz’s principle “simplexity” to open up multiscalarity cognitive ecosystems. In exemplifying wide cognition, track eyeball’s neurophysiology transformed by simplex tricks. As learning was integrated with seeing, looking evolved. Later, argue, lineages gained social gaze. primates, gaze cultural techniques like nut-cracking termite dipping. Individual perceptual thus came build on enculturated behavior. We then turn case modern humans who things “meaning attached.” Their not only but also enlanguaged. this connection, show mechanisms disclose aspects-in-things, allowing individuals attribute practical significance selected parts their surroundings. harnessing articulatory skills, human judgements draw expectations: as child perceives, she learns observe say things. people come act ostensively give rise descriptions. terms proposed here, learn simplexify.