What is the term for the cognitive impact of physical states on our thinking?

The term "embodied cognition" refers to the idea that our physical states and bodily sensations significantly influence our cognitive processes and thinking. This concept suggests that our cognitive functions are not only a result of brain activity but are also closely tied to our physical experiences, emotions, and interactions with the environment. For instance, the way we carry ourselves, our posture, or even our facial expressions can affect how we perceive situations and make decisions. This perspective emphasizes that cognition is fundamentally linked to our physical bodies and experiences, which can empower or limit our mental processes.

In contrast, kinesthesis involves our awareness of body movements and position, but it does not specifically address the influence of physical states on cognitive processes. The vestibular sense pertains to balance and spatial orientation, which is also unrelated to how physical states impact thinking. Sensory interaction refers to the way different senses work together to create our perception of the environment but does not capture the connection between bodily states and cognition as embodied cognition does. Therefore, the emphasis on how our physical state affects our thought processes makes embodied cognition the correct term in this context.