Larry Barsalou - Habits of Mind

In this episode, Wendy speaks with cognitive psychologist Larry Barsalou about his work on grounded cognition, concepts, stress, and habits. Their conversation covers many topics, including: a historical look at how psychology has viewed and studied the mind; simulation and prediction in the brain; what a concept is, and benefits and harms they can bring; stereotypes, implicit bias, and how we might change them; the "situated action" cycle that drives our behavior; understanding habits, and the role of mindfulness in breaking unhealthy habits; how humans form self-concepts, and how meditation can help us move beyond them; the importance of context (situatedness) in cognition, and how to study it scientifically; and how he got interested in contemplative science. Full show notes and resources