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A general theory of consciousness II: The language problem.

Abraham Peper1

  • 1Department of Biomedical Engineering & Physics, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Communicative & Integrative Biology
|August 12, 2022
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

We think using sensory images, not language. Verbal communication is a limited intermediary, not consciousness itself, translating unconscious neural activity into conscious sensory experiences.

Keywords:
Languageadaptationcognitionconsciousnessinner speechprivate speechsensorysensory imagesthe selfverbal communicationvisual thinking

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Area of Science:

  • Cognitive Science
  • Neuroscience
  • Philosophy of Mind

Background:

  • Common assumption: inner monologue equals thought, and verbal communication perfectly conveys it.
  • Previous research often overlooks the sensory nature of thought and the limitations of language.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the cognitive processes underlying human thought.
  • To investigate the role and limitations of verbal communication in expressing thoughts.
  • To explore the nature of consciousness and its relation to sensory experience and language.

Main Methods:

  • Conceptual analysis of thinking and communication processes.
  • Examination of the relationship between unconscious neural activity and conscious sensory images.
  • Exploration of the development and function of inner speech and the 'imaginary person' in self-talk.

Main Results:

  • Thinking primarily occurs through sensory images, not language.
  • Verbal communication is a limited, sequential encoding of complex, parallel cognitive activity.
  • Conscious experience of verbal communication is a sensory phenomenon, not thought itself.

Conclusions:

  • The assumption that consciousness arises in language is incorrect; language is merely an intermediary.
  • Sensory images are a refined method for translating unconscious neural cognition into conscious awareness.
  • Inner speech and self-talk involve an 'imaginary person' that verbalizes thoughts from the natural, non-verbal self.