From: J. R. Molloy (jr@shasta.com)
Date: Tue Dec 18 2001 - 12:46:21 MST
> > ...and what parts of the human brain does this "mind" stuff
> > come from? Can we see it in action? ...or is it just another
> > term for brain?
>
> ???????????????? mind is the overall informational process
> which happens among humans (right now, if there was universal
> (or still is) mind among animals - it developed to our mind)
Here are Webster's dictionary definitions of "mind," along with some editorial
comments:
1 : RECOLLECTION, MEMORY <keep that in mind> <time out of mind>
[can be replaced by <remember that> <time forgotten>]
2 a : the element or complex of elements in an individual that feels,
perceives, thinks, wills, and especially reasons
[should be replaced by <brain>]
b : the mental events and capabilities in an organism
[the term <cognitive behavior> covers this]
c : the organized adaptive mental activity of an organism
[the term <cognition> more accurately indicates this]
3 : INTENTION, DESIRE <I changed my mind>
[more descriptive: <I changed my decision> <my desires have changed>]
4 : the normal or healthy condition of the mental faculties
[the normal or healthy condition of the brain]
5 : OPINION, VIEW
[If we mean "opinion" or "view" then we ought to say "opinion" or "view"]
6 : DISPOSITION, MOOD
[If we mean "disposition" or "mood" then we ought to say so.]
7 a : a person or group embodying mental qualities <the public mind>
[Persons or groups do not embody mental qualities, but they may share similar
opinions.]
b : intellectual ability
[Cerebral capability, intellectual ability, IQ, etc., refer to brain
functions.]
8 capitalized, Christian Science : GOD
[This is a good example of why we need to jettison the word "mind."]
9 : a conscious substratum or factor in the universe
[More hocus-pocus mystical nonsense.]
--- --- --- --- ---
Useless hypotheses, etc.:
consciousness, phlogiston, philosophy, vitalism, mind, free will, qualia,
analog computing, cultural relativism, GAC, Cyc, Eliza, cryonics, individual
uniqueness, ego, human values, scientific relinquishment, malevolent AI,
non-sensory experience, SETI
We move into a better future in proportion as science displaces superstition.
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