Language and thought A variety of different authors, theories and fields purport influences between language and thought. Many point out the seemingly common-sense realization that upon introspection we seem to think in the language we speak. A number of writers and theorists have extrapolated upon this idea. Scientific hypotheses[edit] Examples[edit] Counting[edit] Different cultures use numbers in different ways. Perhaps the most different counting system from that of modern Western civilisation is the “one-two-many” system used by the Pirahã people. Orientation[edit] Color[edit] Language may influence color processing. Other schools of thought[edit] See also[edit] References[edit] Jump up ^ Gordon, P., (2004).
Reasoning Errors In The Current Models of Human Cognition Yehouda Harpaz yh@maldoo.com 6 Jan 96 [last updated 22 Mar 2012] related texts 1. Introduction [1.1] Cognitive Psychologists (CogPsys) and researchers in related areas hypothesize many models of the way the human cognition, or part of it, works. Since we cannot, yet, test these models directly, their validation is based on interpretation of experimental evidence. [1.2] In this text I try to list the most important reasoning errors that occur in the arguments which are used to support models of human cognition. [1.3] In most of the cases, each error is harmless on its own, but in combination with other errors can lead to serious mistakes in the interpretation. More fundamental problems in cognitive science (including the idea of consciousness) are discussed in the methodological points. 2. [2.2] This is an error because it can be used to support a conclusion which is not supported by any sound argument, and to support unsound arguments. 3. [3.2] Evidence about memory and perception
List of cognitive biases In psychology and cognitive science, cognitive biases are systematic patterns of deviation from norm and/or rationality in judgment.[1][2] They are often studied in psychology, sociology and behavioral economics.[1] A memory bias is a cognitive bias that either enhances or impairs the recall of a memory (either the chances that the memory will be recalled at all, or the amount of time it takes for it to be recalled, or both), or that alters the content of a reported memory. Explanations include information-processing rules (i.e., mental shortcuts), called heuristics, that the brain uses to produce decisions or judgments. Biases have a variety of forms and appear as cognitive ("cold") bias, such as mental noise,[3] or motivational ("hot") bias, such as when beliefs are distorted by wishful thinking. Both effects can be present at the same time.[4][5] Although this research overwhelmingly involves human subjects, some studies have found bias in non-human animals as well. [edit] Association:
The Concept of Anxiety 1844 philosophical work by Søren Kierkegaard All of Kierkegaard's books have either a preface, dedication, or prayer at the beginning. This book includes a lengthy introduction. The Concept of Anxiety was published on exactly the same date as Prefaces, June 17, 1844. Both books deal with Hegel's idea of mediation. For Kierkegaard, anxiety/dread/angst is "freedom's actuality as the possibility of possibility." Kierkegaard focuses on the first anxiety experienced by man: Adam's choice to eat from God's forbidden tree of knowledge or not. However, Kierkegaard mentions that anxiety is a way for humanity to be saved as well. Progress[edit] In 1793, forty-one years before Kierkegaard wrote The Concept of Anxiety, Immanuel Kant wrote his book Religion Within the Limits of Reason Alone; his book elevated reason in the realm of Christianity.[6] Many continental philosophers wrote their books in relation to Kant's ideas. Søren Kierkegaard 1813–1855 Friedrich Schelling 1775–1854 Anxiety[edit]
Cognitive dissonance Stress from contradictory beliefs Coping with the nuances of contradictory ideas or experiences is mentally stressful. It requires energy and effort to sit with those seemingly opposite things that all seem true. Relations among cognitions[edit] To function in the reality of society, human beings continually adjust the correspondence of their mental attitudes and personal actions; such continual adjustments, between cognition and action, result in one of three relationships with reality:[3] Consonant relationship: Two cognitions or actions consistent with each other (e.g. not wanting to become drunk when out to dinner and ordering water rather than wine)Irrelevant relationship: Two cognitions or actions unrelated to each other (e.g. not wanting to become drunk when out and wearing a shirt)Dissonant relationship: Two cognitions or actions inconsistent with each other (e.g. not wanting to become drunk when out, but then drinking more wine) Magnitude of dissonance[edit] Reduction[edit] P = you
Origin of language The origin of language in the human species has been the topic of scholarly discussions for several centuries. In spite of this, there is no consensus on the ultimate origin or age of human language. One problem makes the topic difficult to study: the lack of direct evidence. Consequently, scholars wishing to study the origins of language must draw inferences from other kinds of evidence such as the fossil record or from archaeological evidence, from contemporary language diversity, from studies of language acquisition, and from comparisons between human language and systems of communication existing among other animals, particularly other primates. It is generally agreed[by whom?] This shortage of empirical evidence has led many scholars to regard the entire topic as unsuitable for serious study. Approaches[edit] Approaches to the origin of language can be divided according to their underlying assumptions. Noam Chomsky is a prominent proponent of discontinuity theory. Bow-wow.
10 More Common Faults in Human Thought Humans This list is a follow up to Top 10 Common Faults in Human Thought. Thanks for everyone’s comments and feedback; you have inspired this second list! It is amazing that with all these biases, people are able to actually have a rational thought every now and then. There is no end to the mistakes we make when we process information, so here are 10 more common errors to be aware of. The confirmation bias is the tendency to look for or interpret information in a way that confirms beliefs. The Availability heuristic is gauging what is more likely based on vivid memories. Illusion of Control is the tendency for individuals to believe they can control or at least influence outcomes that they clearly have no influence on. Interesting Fact: when playing craps in a casino, people will throw the dice hard when they need a high number and soft when they need a low number. The Planning fallacy is the tendency to underestimate the time needed to complete tasks. Bonus Attribute Substitution
You Are Not So Smart Chronic stress Chronic stress is the physiological or psychological response induced by a long-term internal or external stressor.[1] The stressor, either physically present or recollected, will produce the same effect and trigger a chronic stress response.[1] There is a wide range of chronic stressors, but most entail relatively prolonged problems, conflicts and threats that people encounter on a daily basis.[2] And several chronic stressors, including "neighbourhood environment, financial strain, interpersonal stress, work stress and caregiving.", have been identified as associated with disease and mortality.[3] Stress responses, such as the fight or flight response, is fundamental. The complexity of the environment means that it is constantly changing. However, the problem arises when there is a persistent threat. Historical development[edit] Hans Selye (1907–1982), known as the "father of stress",[10] is credited with first studying and identifying stress. Physiology[edit] Response[edit] Brain[edit]