The Representational Theory Of Mind - 1659 Words

The Representational Theory of Mind proposes that we, as both physiological and mental beings, are systems which operate based on symbols and interpretations of the meanings of such symbols rather than beings which operate just on physiological processes (chemical reactions and biological processes). It offers that humans and their Minds are computing machines, mental software (the Mind) which runs on physical hardware (the body). It suggests, too, that we are computing machines functioning as something other than a computing machine, just as every other machine does. Many are disconcerted by the idea that humans and Minds can be described as systems which operate based on interpretations of symbols, much like machines, computers, and robots: things that we have created yet do not think of as being â€Å"thinking,† themselves. We, as human beings, are comforted in the notion that we are born into this world with a fully capable Mind, a soul or spirit, and are, thereafter, f ree to choose our fate as we will. Although it seems plausible that we are born with Mind, I cannot subscribe to such a simplistic version of thinking about our true capacity for affecting outcome. RTM emphasizes the importance of language in the Mind’s ability to create, recognize, and interpret symbols, the main process by which mental representations and, therefore, mental states, are created. Mental states are realized, more specifically, in that the Mind encounters a series of symbols pertaining to aShow MoreRelatedThe Perspectives Of A Representational Theory Of Mind1585 Words   |  7 Pagesextended cognition and active externalism. In this paper I intend to shed light on the basic views of Andy Clark and David Chalmers. I also intend to inform the audience on different the perspectives of a representational theory of mind, and argue a case for extended cognition and representational consciousness in animals. A human organism is linked with an external entity in a two-way interaction, creating a coupled system that can be considered to be cognitive in its own right. All the componentsRead MoreThe Abstract Of Figurative Language Essay1674 Words   |  7 PagesContext is Everything It is clear that as representational theory opposes enactive theory, so does modernism oppose postmodernism. The question is: Which is more accurate? To this question, I turn to poetry. Poetry (and other forms of art) are able to take words that are pragmatically nonsense and create a sense of meaning out of them. Of course, I am making sweeping generalizations of poetry, and not all poems are pragmatic nonsense so I must clarify. When I speak of poetry and art, I am speakingRead MoreWe Are The Cosmos Made Conscious And Life Is The Means By Which The Universe Understands Itself? Essay1710 Words   |  7 Pagesoneself’ could be found. It can also be described as sentience, awareness, subjectivity, the ability to think or feel, and the executive control of the mind. Many theories of where consciousness comes from have arisen, but there seems to be an underlying theme of what consciousness is, in the broader sense, to most theories. For instance, most theories agree that all sensory organs and their perceptions must combine within the brain to give us consciousness, and not separate singular perceptions. SomeRead MoreDeath Is A Bad Thing1495 Words   |  6 PagesEpicurus and Lucretius argued that these asymmetrical attitudes are irrational. They thought that if you believed it is not painful to miss out on life before you are born, they it should not be painful after you die, because in both situations your mind is a blank and you do not feel anything at all. I think the asymmetrical attitudes can be explained with the fact that when babies are born, they do not know anything about life and therefore do not feel any negative emotions for not having been bornRead MoreImaginary Companions In Child Development Essay1407 Words   |  6 Pagesstart engaging in symbolic play. One of the key evidence of being able to engage in symbolic play is by imitating the actions they see others doing after they cannot observe t hem being done (Fein, 1981). Imitating past behavior of others uses representational skills and is called deferred imitation (Vasta, Haith Miller, 1999). Symbolic play itself becomes more complex as the child matures. In early symbolic play a child could pretend to drive a car. Soon they will be pretending to drive a vehicleRead MoreThe Human Mind and The Computer1131 Words   |  5 PagesComputers, like humans, in some essence have â€Å"minds.† However, when the â€Å"mind† of a computer is contrasted to that of a human’s, we see a big difference. A computers function is to take in information (input), store data (storage), manipulate data (processing), and provide us with information (output). Just like a computer, a human’s mind also has those four distinct functions, but a human’s mind also has three completely different functions. The human mind is capable of thinking, feeling, and wantingRead MoreI Walk Into A Local Coffee Shop936 Words   |  4 Pagesexistence of qualia (the inverted spectrum argument, the zombie argument, and the knowledge argument) which I find to be persuasive in challen ging views of functionalism and physicalism. Definitions and Clarifications Before outlining the more in-depth theories and experiments, I believe that there is sufficient cause to go through the basics of the terminology that I will be using while also providing a historical context for these ideas. With this section, I will specify the specific definitions for theRead MoreEarly Childhood Development : The Psychoanalytic Theories And The Constructivist Theories881 Words   |  4 Pagesacademic skills and concepts (Roskos, Tabors, and Lenhart 2004). Two major theories explain on the importance of play in early childhood development, the Psychoanalytic theories and the constructivist theories. The constructivist view focuses on play as a mean for children to construct knowledge. Through play children can experience pleasant and unpleasant situations (Charlesworth, 2011). Vygotsky emphasizes on representational play. for Vygotsky, the fantasy play in early part of a child’s life isRead MoreThe Work Cognitive Science And The Concept Of Belief, For Fodors Account Of Propositional Attitudes1404 Words   |  6 Pagesaccount of propositional attitudes. It will begin with a brief explanation of Fodor’s theory of folk psychology and his ideas of propositional attitudes, and will continue with an in depth analysis of Stich’s critique of Fodor’s representational theory of mind, specifically Stich’s discussion of the problems posed by ideological similarity and the consequences said problems have on the strength and validity of Fodor’s theory. Finally, it will conclude with my response, on the behalf of Fodor, to the problemRead MoreCharles Darwin: Naturalist and Leader in Science1414 Words   |  6 PagesOver the course of this analysis, I will use information from Gardner’s Changing Minds (Gardner, 2006) and Uzzi and Dunlap’s How to Build Your Network (Uzzi, 2005) to assess Charles Darwin’s influence as a non-positional leader. I will also show a historical analysis, including my reasons for choosing Darwin as my subject, his background, the success and failures of his influence, as well as his legacy. Finally, I will submit my vision of non-positional leadership and mechanisms for leaders to explore