We propose an account of cognitive tools that takes into account the process of enculturation by which tools are integrated into our cognitive systems. Drawing on work in cultural evolution and developmental psychology, we argue that cognitive tools are complex entities consisting of physical objects, representational systems, and cognitive practices for the physical manipulation of the tool. We use an extensive case study of spatial navigation to demonstrate the core claims. The account we provide is contrasted with conceptions of cognitive tools that simplify cognition, in particular that they offload cognitive work, or that the tools themselves are temporary developmental scaffolds or props. Enculturation results in transformed cognitive systems, and we can now think and act in new ways with cognitive tools.

中文翻译：

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文化适应的工具


我们提出了一种认知工具的解释，该工具考虑了工具融入我们的认知系统的文化适应过程。借鉴文化进化和发展心理学的研究成果，我们认为认知工具是复杂的实体，由物理对象、表征系统和用于物理操作工具的认知实践组成。我们使用广泛的空间导航案例研究来证明核心主张。我们提供的解释与简化认知的认知工具的概念形成鲜明对比，特别是它们减轻了认知工作，或者工具本身是临时的发展脚手架或道具。文化适应导致认知系统发生转变，我们现在可以利用认知工具以新的方式思考和行动。