Bruce Bridgeman (1992) Mental Life as Simulation . Psycoloquy: 3(50) Consciousness (27)
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Psycoloquy 3(50): Mental Life as Simulation

MENTAL LIFE AS SIMULATION
Reply to Rickert on Bridgeman on Consciousness

Bruce Bridgeman
Kerr Hall UCSC
Santa Cruz, Ca. 95064

bruceb@cats.ucsc.edu

Abstract

The idea of brain processes as simulations can unify the interpretation of a number of seemingly diverse mental functions. Rickert (1992) proposes to extend the idea of planning to trying out ideas, even in the absence of "a coherent plan." Plans need not be coherent or even rational. They need only include a sequence of actions determined in advance. The idea of thinking as simulation is consistent with my original conception, and extends it in a useful direction.

Keywords

consciousness, language, plans, motivation, evolution, motor system

References