Extended and Fragile: How the Mind Extends into the Physical World – and Why That Might Worry You

Abstract According to the extended mind hypothesis, the mind can extend into the physical world via tools, devices and systems external to the brain. This article explains the hypothesis and explores its implications for knowledge, identity, education and digital ethics. It also highlights a deeper concern: if the mind is extended, then it is also fragile. This fragility stems from its dependence on infrastructure, institutions and systems that we often don’t control.