Definitionv1

Cognitive artifact: a tool or representation that

Cognitive artifact: a tool or representation that reorganizes cognitive processes and actively participates in thinking rather than passively storing information

Why This Is a Definition

This definition establishes cognitive artifact as a specific category of tools that do more than store information - they reorganize and actively participate in cognitive work. It clearly states the genus (tool or representation), differentia (reorganizes cognitive processes, actively participates in thinking), and distinguishes it from passive storage devices. This is a key conceptual boundary that supports the lesson's argument about mapping as a thinking tool.

Source Lessons

L-0260

Relationship mapping is a thinking tool not just documentation

The act of mapping relationships generates new insights about the system. You do not map what you already understand — you map in order to understand. The diagram is not a record of finished thinking. It is the medium in which thinking happens.

Connections

Defines (1)

AxiomExtended Cognition Thesis

Back to Concepts