Single Idea 4926

[catalogued under 18. Thought / D. Concepts / 2. Origin of Concepts / a. Origin of concepts]

Full Idea

We propose that concepts arise from the mapping by the brain itself of the activity of the brain's own areas and regions.

Gist of Idea

Concepts arise when the brain maps its own activities

Source

G Edelman / G Tononi (Consciousness: matter becomes imagination [2000], Ch. 9)

Book Reference

Edelman,G/Tononi,G: 'Consciousness: how matter becomes imagination' [Penguin 2000], p.102


A Reaction

Yes. One should add that the brain appears to be physically constructed with the logic of a filing system, which would mean that our concepts were labels for files within the system. Nature generates some of the files, and thinking creates the others.