Basic Processes and Cognition: an Epistemological Reflection

Abstract

In this paper, the basic processes are understood as elementary units of a human cognitive science. However, an epistemological analysis that produces such elements generates difficulties in light of the supposed synthetic character of reality. These difficulties are typical of a realistic perspective of knowledge. This perspective is characterized and criticized in consideration of the predicaments it generates. As an alternative, a pragmatist point of view is indicated to eliminate such dilemmas. The advantages of adopting a pragmatist point of view on the basic trials are analyzed, bypassing the major epistemological problems that arise from the realistic perspective. The use of analytical procedures responsible for the adoption of the concept of “basic processes” is justified by a principle of intellectual economy.