Summary/Response: “How the Mind Works” M. Elizabeth Garza 7/29/18
Pinker, Steven. “How the Mind Works.” Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 6 Feb. 2006, doi.org/10.1111/j.1749-6632. 1999.tb08538. x.
In the book “How the mind works,” by Steven Pinker, He elaborates that the mind process using evolution biology, the author believe that the cognition and the consciousness work together, that the mind is computational and neural activity in the brain physically implements that. Therefore, the brain works like a computer. He adds and explains how computation works in the brain, that the brain increases enigma and that our brain process in computation theory and Darwinian evolution. Pinker clarifies that although the mind and the brain are not the same, the mind is connected to the brain but at the same time disconnected from the brain. The brain can be reflected in the mind. The brain can be separated into the amount that it transfers out the mind's psychological process. He adds that our brain is shaped into a mosaic of tiny patches. He adds that the brain is the actual organ that has the mental functions. Therefore, Pinky accepts as true, that the mind is the result of biology, and logical adjustment to human being surroundings; rather than values, beliefs, customs, language, and traditions or the sociological process.
After reading this print, part of the book of Steven Pinker, “How the brain works.” Pinker starts his book with useful details of how the brain is an extraordinary organ and gives an excellent example of computation, evolution, and specialization which is all helpful information in describing the brain. However, I do not agree with a statement that he makes, the brain works like a computer or a device., If indeed our brains worked like a machine then how can we then be our individual? Another aspect while reading this article was the part where the author writes about how we humans have a problem with eating worms, and we are disgusted by the idea of eating them. Wherein other countries they are safe to eat and furthermore and are nutritious. I believe that our brains do not process the same and for that reason, we all have a unique view, that is based on how our brain process information, our ideas, and identities that share a portion and bring our individualism and perception to one which inclines back to our brains don’t work as a computer or machines.
KEY TERMS:
Paradox
REFERENCES:
Pinker, Steven. “So How Does the Mind Work?” Language, Cognition, and Human Nature, 2013, pp. 269–292., doi:10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199328741.003.0010.
Elizabeth, we definitely are all unique! I like that you attach the word "computation" to "brain" because our brains truly do a lot of processing and thinking. They say we only use 10% of our brains. Imagine if we used/accessed 11% or even 15%? I think there was a movie that approached that topic called Lucy with Scarlett Johansson, you might want to check it out! Overall, I don't think we will do enough learning on our brains; there will always be some new discovery about them or something we didn't know. Our brain is so twisted and full of mysteries and wonders!
ReplyDeleteI feel like you missed an opportunity to explore the implications of the metaphysical division Pinker makes in setting the mind and the brain on intersecting planes. And I'd be curious to see how you plan on connecting digital media to the shaping of the mosaic if the "values, beliefs, customs, language, and traditions or the sociological process," which is what digital media revolves around, has no effect on its creation.
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