Thought: Difference between revisions
m Reverted edits by Crazybogeys123 to last version by SoxBot III (HG) |
returned to last version by ArthurBot (w. minor modifications) due to unreasoned deletions of sections by IP 77.105.84.175 |
||
| Line 11: | Line 11: | ||
Thinking is a higher [[cognitive]] function and the analysis of thinking processes is part of [[cognitive psychology]]. |
Thinking is a higher [[cognitive]] function and the analysis of thinking processes is part of [[cognitive psychology]]. |
||
=== Basic process === |
|||
The basic mechanics of human brain cells reflect a process of [[pattern matching]] or rather [[pattern recognition|recognition]]. In a "moment of [[Human self-reflection|reflection]]", new situations and new [[experience]]s are judged against [[recall]]ed ones and [[judgement]]s are made. In order to make these judgements, the [[intellect]] maintains present [[experience]] and sorts relevant past experience. It does this while keeping present and past experience distinct and separate. The intellect can mix, match, merge, sift, and sort [[concept]]s, perceptions, and experience. This process is called [[reasoning]]. [[Logic]] is the science of [[reasoning]]. The awareness of this process of reasoning is access consciousness (see philosopher [[Ned Block]]). |
|||
=== Aids to thinking === |
|||
# Use of [[model (abstract)|models]], [[symbol]]s, [[diagram]]s and [[picture]]s. |
|||
# Use of [[abstraction]] to simplify the effort of thinking. |
|||
# Use of [[metasyntactic variable]]s to simplify the effort of naming. |
|||
# Use of [[iteration]] and [[recursion]] to converge on a [[concept]]. |
|||
# Limitation of [[attention]] to aid [[concentration]] and focus on a concept. Use of peace and quiet to aid concentration. |
|||
# Goal setting and goal revision. Simply letting the concept percolate in the subconscious, and waiting for the concept to re-surface. |
|||
# Talking with learned people. Resorting to [[communication]] with others, if this is allowed. |
|||
# [[Working backward from the goal]]. |
|||
# Desire for [[learning]]. |
|||
=== Pitfalls === |
|||
# Self-[[delusion]]s: inability to confront relevant issues ([[roadblock]]s). |
|||
# Prejudice can lead to flawed thinking |
|||
{{clear}} |
|||
== See also == |
== See also == |
||
| Line 34: | Line 52: | ||
* [http://education.vsnl.com/nimbkar/thought.html Nature of Human Thought] |
* [http://education.vsnl.com/nimbkar/thought.html Nature of Human Thought] |
||
* [http://www.beyondthemind.net/thought.html The Fabric of the Mind] A site exploring [[J. Krishnamurti]]'s views on the mind and thought. |
* [http://www.beyondthemind.net/thought.html The Fabric of the Mind] A site exploring [[J. Krishnamurti]]'s views on the mind and thought. |
||
[[Category:Thought| ]] |
[[Category:Thought| ]] |
||
| Line 68: | Line 85: | ||
[[kaa:Oy-pikir]] |
[[kaa:Oy-pikir]] |
||
[[qu:Yuyaychakuy]] |
[[qu:Yuyaychakuy]] |
||
| ⚫ | |||
[[ro:Gândire]] |
[[ro:Gândire]] |
||
| ⚫ | |||
[[sah:Санаа]] |
[[sah:Санаа]] |
||
[[sq:Mendimi]] |
[[sq:Mendimi]] |
||
Revision as of 03:11, 17 January 2009
 | This article includes a list of references, related reading, or external links, but its sources remain unclear because it lacks inline citations. |
| Neuropsychology |
|---|
 |
Thought and thinking are mental forms and processes, respectively ("thought" is both.) Thinking allows beings to model the world and to deal with it effectively according to their objectives, plans, ends and desires. Words referring to similar concepts and processes include cognition, sentience, consciousness, idea, and imagination.
Thinking involves the mental manipulation of information, as when we form concepts, engage in problem solving, reason and make decisions.
Thinking is a higher cognitive function and the analysis of thinking processes is part of cognitive psychology.
Basic process
The basic mechanics of human brain cells reflect a process of pattern matching or rather recognition. In a "moment of reflection", new situations and new experiences are judged against recalled ones and judgements are made. In order to make these judgements, the intellect maintains present experience and sorts relevant past experience. It does this while keeping present and past experience distinct and separate. The intellect can mix, match, merge, sift, and sort concepts, perceptions, and experience. This process is called reasoning. Logic is the science of reasoning. The awareness of this process of reasoning is access consciousness (see philosopher Ned Block).
Aids to thinking
- Use of models, symbols, diagrams and pictures.
- Use of abstraction to simplify the effort of thinking.
- Use of metasyntactic variables to simplify the effort of naming.
- Use of iteration and recursion to converge on a concept.
- Limitation of attention to aid concentration and focus on a concept. Use of peace and quiet to aid concentration.
- Goal setting and goal revision. Simply letting the concept percolate in the subconscious, and waiting for the concept to re-surface.
- Talking with learned people. Resorting to communication with others, if this is allowed.
- Working backward from the goal.
- Desire for learning.
Pitfalls
- Self-delusions: inability to confront relevant issues (roadblocks).
- Prejudice can lead to flawed thinking
See also
- Train of thought
- Language of thought
- Language and thought
- Intrapersonal communication
- Stream of consciousness (psychology)
- List of basic thinking-related topics
- Lists of thinking-related topics
- Unification Thought
References
- Eric Baum (2004). What is Thought, Chapter Two: The Mind is a Computer Program. MIT Press. ISBN 0-262-02548-5
External links
- Corballis, Michael C. "The Uniqueness of Human Recursive Thinking" (PDF). American Scientist (May-June 2007). Retrieved 2007-04-23.
- The Psychology of Emotions, Feelings and Thoughts, Free Online Book
- Nature of Human Thought
- The Fabric of the Mind A site exploring J. Krishnamurti's views on the mind and thought.