Bi-Directionality in the Cognitive Sciences

Cognitive science is the interdisciplinary study of the human mind. As far as the exact relationship between the cognitive sciences and other fields is concerned, however, it appears that interdisciplinary exchange often remains unrealized, possibly because of the uni-directional application of theories, concepts, and methods, which impedes the productive transfer of knowledge in both directions. In the course of the cognitive turn in the humanities and social sciences, many disciplines have selectively borrowed ideas from core cognitive sciences like psychology and artificial intelligence. The day-to-day practice of interdisciplinarity thus thrives on one-directional borrowings. Focusing on cognitive approaches in linguistics and literary studies, this volume explores "bi-directionality," a genuine transdisciplinary interchange in which both disciplines are borrowing and lending. The contributions take different perspectives on some extend uni-directional borrowing practices and point to avenues and crossroads, while others critically discuss obstacles, challenges, and limitations to bi-directional transfer.