Jim Rutt defines 'cognitive science' as an interdisciplinary field dedicated to understanding the fundamental processes and mechanisms underpinning thought, perception, emotion, and behavior in humans and other intelligent entities. Drawing from diverse domains such as psychology, neuroscience, artificial intelligence, linguistics, anthropology, and philosophy, cognitive science seeks to construct a holistic picture of how minds emerge, function, and evolve. Rutt emphasizes the integration of empirical research with computational models to decode the mind’s architecture, ultimately aiming to bridge the gap between brain activity and mental phenomena. This comprehensive approach facilitates advancements in technology, education, and mental health, highlighting cognitive science's pivotal role in unraveling the complexities of intelligence itself.

See also: artificial intelligence, evolutionary computing, evolutionary psychology, emergence