Embodiment, relationality and a new morality

With the introduction of Cognitive Science in the 1950's, new theories of cognition emerged, resulting in a redefinition of Western philosophy's concept of the human being. In the 1980's, amidst growing dissatisfaction with this first generation of Reductionist theories, a second generation of cognitive scientists emerged offering yet another explanation of cognition and the nature of man. In this paper I will argue that both Western philosophy and the first generation of cognitive scientists' theories are inadequate and therefore are unable to offer guidance for practical reasoning and moral judgment. It is the contention of this paper that the second group of cognitive scientists opens a major new pathway toward a more holistic, cognitively appropriate and comprehensive theory of man. The first generation of cognitive scientists operated within the world-view of Objectivism, which was the hallmark of the natural sciences. A paradigmatic shift from this Objectivist world-view to a hermeneutic ontological context became the linchpin of the newer generation. I contend that the fullest expression of this new view is expressed in Embodied Realism, wherein the brain, body, mind and culture are incorporated fully into the theory of cognition. This `new rationality,' based primarily on prototypical experience, offers its claims for truth and value based on dialogue that consists of finite, historically situated, flexible non-algorithmic deliberated judgments of a community with shared aims and accountable practices rather than on universal dictums. I will argue that the prototypical ontological imaginative framework proposed by the Embodied Realists succeeds in opening up new paths, guidelines and possibilities for framing and re-framing questions to be resolved arising from specific historical situations and presents a wide arena of potential choices. I contend that, unlike traditional ethical theories and rules, the hermeneutical ontological tenets of Embodied Realism can co-exist with the findings of contemporary neuroscience and quantum physics. I intend to show that an individual's practical reasoning and moral judgment depend on which community or `lifeworld' is deemed most suitable to the particular circumstance encountered. By means of four examples I will argue that much of contemporary society already operates within this framework of Embodied Realism and that major conflicts occur when adherents to the `new rationality' and those within the paradigm of Objectivism attempt resolution of an issue, without recognizing the incommensurability of the assumptions that underlie their respective world-views. It is the contention of this paper that, although much of society operates within the paradigm of Embodied Realism, our training and education of youth remains, for the most part, within a framework of Objectivist principles. Although much work has been accomplished in the field of cognition, fewer efforts concerning a hermeneutical ontology of the Person and the nature of morality have been fully developed. I intend to offer certain minimal criteria of a theory of practical reasoning and moral judgment consistent with the new findings. In conclusion, I will point to some of the contradictions that exist among prominent scientists today and Embodied Realist theorists in particular, concerning the nature of consciousness, free will, self and agency. It is my contention that we create our emerging worlds and that we hold responsibility for all interactions therein. Cognitive science has presented us with a new understanding of the operations of the mind, brain, body and culture but it must be stated that there is much that is unknown and that theories flowing from this data are in the embryonic stage. This paper does not propose to offer any solutions, but rather the intent is to address some of the more prominent theories of the day and to offer some limited perspective on the problems. It is the intent of this paper to present a snapshot, a moment in time, of today's new rationality and the emerging definition of the human being in this evolved and evolving world.