The article is devoted to the study of the formation and current state of cognitive science (a system of cognitive sciences), which claims to conduct global research on cognitive processes in the human brain (cognitive psychology), the connection between consciousness and speech (cognitive linguistics), on the one hand, and the construction of a ‘second reality’ – artificial intelligence (AI), big data (BD), information and communication technologies (ICT), etc. The global nature of cognitive science is explained not only by its interdisciplinary status and the fact that its subject field is a dialectical connection between the material and ideal worlds. The range of interests in cognitive science includes the problems of ethics of AI and neurotechnology, as well as the active essence of humans in the emerging digital world. Moreover, the deep processes of digitalization have led to significant transformations in the theory and practice of contemporary conflicts, in which information and cognitive spheres have acquired the status of independent means of international confrontation and have brought to life a whole range of previously unknown challenges and threats to national security, the main target of which is the consciousness and subconsciousness, as well as cognitive and spiritual abilities of a person. In conclusion, the authors argue that there is a need for a deep philosophical and scientific justification for the activities of government agencies not only to neutralize the external destructive influence of information, psychological and cognitive technologies on society, but also to use them in medicine, health care, education and upbringing.