On the autonomy of mental processes: a case study of arithmetic

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Psychology
• Neuroscience
• Philosophy of Mind

Background:

• Defining and measuring process autonomy is crucial for understanding cognitive functions.
• Previous research has not empirically established criteria for assessing autonomy in mental processes.
• The concept of intention plays a key role in differentiating autonomous from non-autonomous actions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish empirical criteria for evaluating the autonomy of cognitive processes.
• To assess the autonomy of simple mental arithmetic (single-digit addition and multiplication).
• To explore the potential for a continuum of autonomy in mental operations.

Main Methods:

• Defining autonomy based on initiation and completion without intention.
• Developing empirical criteria to test for intention-dependent initiation.
• Developing empirical criteria to test for intention-independent completion.
• Applying these criteria to simple mental arithmetic tasks.

Main Results:

• Simple mental arithmetic processes can be initiated without intention.
• These processes do not initiate in the same manner with and without intention.
• Simple mental arithmetic processes do not run to completion without intention once initiated.
• Evidence suggests partial autonomy in simple arithmetic.

Conclusions:

• Simple mental arithmetic exhibits partial autonomy, not complete autonomy.
• The findings support a model of cognitive processes existing on a continuum of autonomy.
• Further research is needed to explore the boundaries and implications of this autonomy spectrum.