Human Cognition

Once supposed universals of human cognition is not supported by many. Herbert Simon (1956) noted that cognition is but one blade of a pair of scissors; the other blade is the environment, implying that human behaviour is to be found at the intersection of both blades where cutting paper, that is, dealing with real life problems requires judgement. The metaphor proves difficulty to extend studies of cognition to individual roles and responsibilities without taking account of the environment.

Source: Clark, G. L., Oxford Univ Center for Environment,
www.ouce.ox.ac.uk