abiogenesis
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Yes, symbolic representation occurs in the brain
In some circles, neural and/or mental representations are controversial. I have recently argued that neural representation clearly occurs, and that the word ‘representation’ is simply a label for a behavior, as opposed to a hypothetical mechanism or entity. I also showed that this pragmatic and causal sense of representation is much older than so-called “cognitivism”,…
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‘Representing’ means exactly what you think it means
I. The evocative intermediary In the previous post, I offered a potted history of the debate surrounding neural and/or mental representations, and tried to expand the scope of the typical genealogical narratives, which tend to begin in the post-WWII era, at the birth of cognitive science. I also argued that representations are usually placeholders, especially…
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In defense of placeholders: the case of ‘representation’
The idea that the brain represents objects, processes and events in the body and the outside world is ubiquitous. It may well be the pre-theoretical default for anyone who believes that the brain, rather than some incorporeal soul, is the seat of perception, intelligence and voluntary behavior. But you don’t have to spend too long…
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Thoran: stir-friend beans and carrots with grated coconut
Thoran is a type of stir-fried vegetable dish common in Kerala. Similar dishes are found all over South India. You basically stir fry the vegetables in oil seasoned with mustard seeds, onions, curry leaves, and other spices, and add some grated coconut toward the end. I normally eyeball the proportions, so this is an approximate…
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Spy vs Psi
The image below is from a paper uploaded to the virtual “reading room” of a certain well-known intelligence agency. I came across this paper on the “psychotronic universe” as the indirect result of googling for the phrase “a reconciliation of opposites” along with “consciousness”. The first result was something from the agency.