---
title: '▍Mindware: A Theory of Learnable Intelligence'
created: 2026-07-25
modified: 2026-07-25
authors: Dr. Hannah Rose
category: Essay
---

David Perkins frames intelligence as upgradable software: _neural intelligence_ is genetic hardware, _experiential intelligence_ is domain knowledge, and _reflective intelligence_ (mindware) is the metacognitive toolkit that orchestrates them. Installing good mindware and filtering out “cognitive malware” creates a virtuous cycle of better reasoning and decisions.

* **Mindware**: Neural architecture as hardware; mental strategies as software that can be installed, updated, or uninstalled.
* **Mind Gardening**: Intentionally cultivating good cognitive inputs (“seeds”) while weeding out toxic ideas.