What is strong cognitivism?

Strong cognitivism is a philosophical position that asserts that mental states and processes, such as thoughts, beliefs, and desires, are the primary determinants of human behavior. It emphasizes the importance of cognitive processes in understanding and explaining human actions and behavior. Strong cognitivism posits that these mental states are causally efficacious and play a central role in shaping behavior, often to the exclusion of other factors such as emotions or external stimuli. This perspective is often contrasted with behaviorism, which focuses on observable behavior and external stimuli as the main determinants of human actions.