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Single Idea 4928
[filed under theme 18. Thought / B. Mechanics of Thought / 3. Modularity of Mind
]
Full Idea
A theoretical analysis of complexity suggests that neuronal complexity strikes an optimum balance between segregation and integration, which fits the view of the brain as a collection of specialists who talk to each other a lot.
Gist of Idea
Brain complexity balances segregation and integration, like a good team of specialists
Source
G Edelman / G Tononi (Consciousness: matter becomes imagination [2000], Ch.11)
Book Ref
Edelman,G/Tononi,G: 'Consciousness: how matter becomes imagination' [Penguin 2000], p.136
A Reaction
This is a theoretical point, but comes from a leading neuroscientist, and seems to endorse Fodor's modularity proposal. For a philosopher, one of the issues here is how to reconcile the segregation with the Cartesian unity and personal identity of a mind.
The
14 ideas
with the same theme
[theory of separate units of the mind/brain]:
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7845
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When we need to do something, we depute an inner servant to remind us of it
[Proust]
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2491
|
Modules have encapsulation, inaccessibility, private concepts, innateness
[Fodor]
|
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2497
|
Something must take an overview of the modules
[Fodor]
|
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2495
|
Obvious modules are language and commonsense explanation
[Fodor]
|
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2499
|
Modules analyse stimuli, they don't tell you what to do
[Fodor]
|
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2496
|
Blindness doesn't destroy spatial concepts
[Fodor]
|
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2498
|
Modules make the world manageable
[Fodor]
|
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2500
|
Babies talk in consistent patterns
[Fodor]
|
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2507
|
Rationality rises above modules
[Fodor]
|
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2509
|
Modules have in-built specialist information
[Fodor]
|
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22186
|
Mental modules are specialised, automatic, and isolated
[Fodor, by Okasha]
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3171
|
Children speak 90% good grammar
[Rey]
|
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3174
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Good grammar can't come simply from stimuli
[Rey]
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4928
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Brain complexity balances segregation and integration, like a good team of specialists
[Edelman/Tononi]
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