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Intentional mind-wandering as intentional omission: the surrealist method
Santiago Arango-Muñoz1, Juan Pablo Bermúdez2,3
1Instituto de Filosofía, Universidad de Antioquia, Calle 67 N° 53-108, Of. 12-408, Medellín, Colombia.
Mind-wandering is usually unintentional, but research shows it can be intentional. This paper explores intentional mind-wandering as a deliberate choice to not control thoughts, particularly for creative artistic production.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Art Theory
Background:
- Mind-wandering is typically viewed as an unintentional cognitive process.
- Experimental evidence presents a paradox: mind-wandering can also be intentional.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present the paradox of intentional mind-wandering.
- To define intentional mind-wandering as the deliberate omission of thought control.
- To illustrate the application of intentional mind-wandering in creative endeavors.
Main Methods:
- Review of experimental findings on mind-wandering.
- Conceptual analysis of intentionality in cognitive processes.
- Application of the surrealist method in artistic production.
Main Results:
- Mind-wandering can be intentionally initiated or sustained.
- Intentional mind-wandering is characterized by the deliberate non-application of cognitive control.
- The surrealist method exemplifies the creative use of intentional thought-control omission.
Conclusions:
- The dichotomy of intentional vs. unintentional mind-wandering is challenged.
- Intentional mind-wandering offers a framework for understanding deliberate cognitive states.
- The intentional omission of thought control can be a valuable tool for artistic creativity.
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