Introduction
exploring the origins of mindedness in nature
pp. 1-17
in: Liz Swan (ed), Origins of mind, Berlin, Springer, 2013Abstract
What is mind? This question is the single unifying force behind all efforts in philosophy of mind and cognitive science. When put in the context of biosemiotics and the broader life sciences, the question becomes, what is the nature of organic mindedness in the natural world? How did it evolve and why? Is it unique to humans or shared by other animals and even simpler forms of life? Is it peculiar to earthly life or is it part of the fundamental fabric of the universe?