A standard model of the mind needs a body

A standard model of the mind with realistic representation of human-like behavior needs a body to represent the interactions of the mind with the world. Though several cognitive processes continue to be studied in the pursuit of a better understanding of the mediators of human-like behavior, the study of interactions between non-cognitive and cognitive human processes remains sparse. We present two aspects that have not been often seen as part of a standard model of the mind, but that appear to be essential to representing at least the human mind. These are a body and a way to interact with the world. The body supports cognition through energy and adaptation, and the brain helps run the body, committing significant resources to this control. The body also provides a way to interact with the world, through vision primarily, as well as motor output. Without these two aspects, the standard model will just be a brain in a vat.