Thought
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2008-07-09T15:23:24Z
Mladifilozof
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[[Image:Efez Celsus Library 4 RB.jpg|thumb|300px|[[Personification]] of thought ([[Greek language|Greek]] ''Εννοια'') in [[Celsus Library]] in [[Ephesos]], [[Turkey]]]]
'''Thought''' and '''thinking''' are [[mind|mental]] [[Theory of forms|forms]] and [[process]]es, respectively ("thought" is both.) Thinking allows beings to [[model (abstract)|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 cerebral manipulation of [[information]], as when we form [[concepts]], engage in [[problem solving]], [[reason]] and make [[choice|decision]]s.
Thinking is a higher [[cognitive]] function and the analysis of thinking processes is part of [[cognitive psychology]].
=== Basic process ===
The basic mechanics of the human brain cells reflect a process of [[pattern matching]] or rather [[pattern recognition|recognition]] (see [[rational]] and [[Harmonia (mythology)|harmony]]). 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 like-minded people. Resorting to [[communication]] with others, if this is allowed.
# [[Working backward from the goal]].
# Desire for [[learning]].
# Always be objective.
=== Pitfalls ===
# Self-[[delusion]]s: inability to confront relevant issues ([[roadblock]]s).
# Prejudice can lead to flawed thinking
== See also ==
{{portal|Thinking|Brain.png}}
{{wiktionarypar|Thought|Think}}
* [[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 ==
* {{cite web|url=http://www.americanscientist.org/template/CreateToken?type=PDF&assetid=55246 |title= The Uniqueness of Human Recursive Thinking |accessdate=2007-04-23 |last=Corballis |first=Michael C. |format=PDF |work=American Scientist (May-June 2007) }}
* [http://cnx.org/content/m14358/latest/ The Psychology of Emotions, Feelings and Thoughts, Free Online Book]
* [http://education.vsnl.com/nimbkar/thought.html Nature of Human Thought]
[[Category:Thought| ]]
[[Category:Units of information (cognitive processes)]]
[[Category:Neuropsychological assessment]]
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