Distributed cognition, as conceived by Jordan Hall, refers to the emergent process by which cognitive tasks are shared across networks of individuals, artifacts, and environmental contexts rather than being confined to a single mind. This concept underscores a collective intelligence that transcends individual capabilities, leveraging the synergistic interaction between humans and their tools, languages, social structures, and cultural practices. In this framework, cognition is not just an internal process but a dynamic system that integrates external elements to enhance problem-solving, decision-making, and innovation. By recognizing the interconnectedness and interdependence of cognitive agents and their tools, distributed cognition highlights the importance of collaborative environments and the potential for more adaptive and resilient systems of thought and action.

See also: artificial intelligence, collective intelligence, feedback loop, possibility space, simulated thinking