A New Theory of Mind

A New Theory of Mind

Author: James A. Wise

Publisher: Cambridge Scholars Publishing

Published: 2016-05-11

Total Pages: 210

ISBN-13: 1443893129

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This book presents a unique and intuitively compelling way of understanding how humans think. It argues that narratives are the natural mode of thinking, that the “urge” to think narratively reflects known neurological processes, and that, although narrative thinking is a product of evolution, it enables us to transcend our evolutionary limits and actively shape our own futures. In remarkably engaging language, the authors describe how the currency of neural activity in the brain is transformed into the qualitatively different currency of conscious experience—the everyday, purposeful, story-like experience with which we all are familiar. The book then examines the nature of thought and how it leads to purposeful action, discussing, among other concerns, how memories about the past, perceptions about the present, and expectations about the future are structured as plausible, coherent narratives by causation, purpose, and time, and how errors are introduced into one’s narratives, both naturally and by other people (often intentionally), and how those errors bias one’s expectations about the future and the actions taken (or not taken) as a consequence. Each of these discussions is followed by a commentary that ties them to interesting facts and questions from throughout the physical and social sciences. The book is concluded with the argument that narrative thought is what is meant when one uses the word “mind.”


Book Synopsis A New Theory of Mind by : James A. Wise

Download or read book A New Theory of Mind written by James A. Wise and published by Cambridge Scholars Publishing. This book was released on 2016-05-11 with total page 210 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book presents a unique and intuitively compelling way of understanding how humans think. It argues that narratives are the natural mode of thinking, that the “urge” to think narratively reflects known neurological processes, and that, although narrative thinking is a product of evolution, it enables us to transcend our evolutionary limits and actively shape our own futures. In remarkably engaging language, the authors describe how the currency of neural activity in the brain is transformed into the qualitatively different currency of conscious experience—the everyday, purposeful, story-like experience with which we all are familiar. The book then examines the nature of thought and how it leads to purposeful action, discussing, among other concerns, how memories about the past, perceptions about the present, and expectations about the future are structured as plausible, coherent narratives by causation, purpose, and time, and how errors are introduced into one’s narratives, both naturally and by other people (often intentionally), and how those errors bias one’s expectations about the future and the actions taken (or not taken) as a consequence. Each of these discussions is followed by a commentary that ties them to interesting facts and questions from throughout the physical and social sciences. The book is concluded with the argument that narrative thought is what is meant when one uses the word “mind.”

The Theory of Narrative Thought

The Theory of Narrative Thought

Author: Lee Roy Beach

Publisher: Cambridge Scholars Publishing

Published: 2022-02-25

Total Pages: 210

ISBN-13: 1527581632

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The renowned naturalist, Loren Eisely, observed that we humans have given up the “certainty of the animal that what it senses is exactly there in the shape the eye beholds.” The big question is, what did we get in return? This book provides a convincing answer to this question, arguing that, instead of recording reality, your brain uses your experience to create a story, a narrative, about how what happened to you in the past led to what is happening to you now. This narrative is your private reality. The book continues by showing how replacing recorded reality with private narrative enabled humans to anticipate the fundamentally unknowable immediate and remote future and expose potential threats. It then shows how private narrative enabled complex thought and communication with others. Drawing upon a wide range of research, the book provides a stimulating new way of viewing human experience, thinking, communicating, and action.


Book Synopsis The Theory of Narrative Thought by : Lee Roy Beach

Download or read book The Theory of Narrative Thought written by Lee Roy Beach and published by Cambridge Scholars Publishing. This book was released on 2022-02-25 with total page 210 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The renowned naturalist, Loren Eisely, observed that we humans have given up the “certainty of the animal that what it senses is exactly there in the shape the eye beholds.” The big question is, what did we get in return? This book provides a convincing answer to this question, arguing that, instead of recording reality, your brain uses your experience to create a story, a narrative, about how what happened to you in the past led to what is happening to you now. This narrative is your private reality. The book continues by showing how replacing recorded reality with private narrative enabled humans to anticipate the fundamentally unknowable immediate and remote future and expose potential threats. It then shows how private narrative enabled complex thought and communication with others. Drawing upon a wide range of research, the book provides a stimulating new way of viewing human experience, thinking, communicating, and action.

The Psychology of Narrative Thought

The Psychology of Narrative Thought

Author: Lee Roy Beach

Publisher: Xlibris Corporation

Published: 2010-08-10

Total Pages: 194

ISBN-13: 1453542736

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This book is about how we think and how what we think shapes our attempts to manage the ongoing course of our lives. Our primary mode of thought is in the form of stories, called narratives, which help us make sense of what is going on around us and provide context for it by linking it to what has happened in the past. Moreover, narratives allow us to use the past and present to make educated guesses, called forecasts, about what will happen in the future. When the forecasted future is undesirable, we intervene to ensure that the actual future, when it arrives, is more to our liking. Narrative thought has its limits, particularly when logical rigor is required. The implications of these limits are discussed, as are the ways in which people have attempted to overcome them.


Book Synopsis The Psychology of Narrative Thought by : Lee Roy Beach

Download or read book The Psychology of Narrative Thought written by Lee Roy Beach and published by Xlibris Corporation. This book was released on 2010-08-10 with total page 194 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book is about how we think and how what we think shapes our attempts to manage the ongoing course of our lives. Our primary mode of thought is in the form of stories, called narratives, which help us make sense of what is going on around us and provide context for it by linking it to what has happened in the past. Moreover, narratives allow us to use the past and present to make educated guesses, called forecasts, about what will happen in the future. When the forecasted future is undesirable, we intervene to ensure that the actual future, when it arrives, is more to our liking. Narrative thought has its limits, particularly when logical rigor is required. The implications of these limits are discussed, as are the ways in which people have attempted to overcome them.

Narrative Thought and Narrative Language

Narrative Thought and Narrative Language

Author: Bruce K. Britton

Publisher: Psychology Press

Published: 2014-02-25

Total Pages: 287

ISBN-13: 1317785878

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Since before the dawn of history, people have been telling stories to each other and to themselves. Thus stories are at the root of human experience. This volume describes empirical investigations by Jerome Bruner, Wallace Chafe, David Olson, and others on the relationship between stories and cognition. Using philosophical, linguistic, anthropological, and psychological perspectives on narrative, the contributors provide a definitive, highly diversified portrait of human cognition.


Book Synopsis Narrative Thought and Narrative Language by : Bruce K. Britton

Download or read book Narrative Thought and Narrative Language written by Bruce K. Britton and published by Psychology Press. This book was released on 2014-02-25 with total page 287 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Since before the dawn of history, people have been telling stories to each other and to themselves. Thus stories are at the root of human experience. This volume describes empirical investigations by Jerome Bruner, Wallace Chafe, David Olson, and others on the relationship between stories and cognition. Using philosophical, linguistic, anthropological, and psychological perspectives on narrative, the contributors provide a definitive, highly diversified portrait of human cognition.

Narrative Thought and Narrative Language

Narrative Thought and Narrative Language

Author: Bruce K. Britton

Publisher: Psychology Press

Published: 2014-02-25

Total Pages: 274

ISBN-13: 131778586X

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Since before the dawn of history, people have been telling stories to each other and to themselves. Thus stories are at the root of human experience. This volume describes empirical investigations by Jerome Bruner, Wallace Chafe, David Olson, and others on the relationship between stories and cognition. Using philosophical, linguistic, anthropological, and psychological perspectives on narrative, the contributors provide a definitive, highly diversified portrait of human cognition.


Book Synopsis Narrative Thought and Narrative Language by : Bruce K. Britton

Download or read book Narrative Thought and Narrative Language written by Bruce K. Britton and published by Psychology Press. This book was released on 2014-02-25 with total page 274 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Since before the dawn of history, people have been telling stories to each other and to themselves. Thus stories are at the root of human experience. This volume describes empirical investigations by Jerome Bruner, Wallace Chafe, David Olson, and others on the relationship between stories and cognition. Using philosophical, linguistic, anthropological, and psychological perspectives on narrative, the contributors provide a definitive, highly diversified portrait of human cognition.

Of Literature and Knowledge

Of Literature and Knowledge

Author: Peter Swirski

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2007-02-12

Total Pages: 356

ISBN-13: 1134104405

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"Of Literature and Knowledge looks ... like an important advance in this new and very important subject... literature is about to become even more interesting." – Edward O. Wilson, Pellegrino University Professor, Harvard University. Framed by the theory of evolution, this colourful and engaging volume presents a new understanding of the mechanisms by which we transfer information from narrative make-believe to real life. Ranging across game theory and philosophy of science, as well as poetics and aesthetics, Peter Swirski explains how literary fictions perform as a systematic tool of enquiry, driven by thought experiments. Crucially, he argues for a continuum between the cognitive tools employed by scientists, philosophers and scholars or writers of fiction. The result is a provocative study of our talent and propensity for creating imaginary worlds, different from the world we know yet invaluable to our understanding of it. Of Literature and Knowledge is a noteworthy challenge to contemporary critical theory, arguing that by bridging the gap between literature and science we might not only reinvigorate literary studies but, above all, further our understanding of literature.


Book Synopsis Of Literature and Knowledge by : Peter Swirski

Download or read book Of Literature and Knowledge written by Peter Swirski and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2007-02-12 with total page 356 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "Of Literature and Knowledge looks ... like an important advance in this new and very important subject... literature is about to become even more interesting." – Edward O. Wilson, Pellegrino University Professor, Harvard University. Framed by the theory of evolution, this colourful and engaging volume presents a new understanding of the mechanisms by which we transfer information from narrative make-believe to real life. Ranging across game theory and philosophy of science, as well as poetics and aesthetics, Peter Swirski explains how literary fictions perform as a systematic tool of enquiry, driven by thought experiments. Crucially, he argues for a continuum between the cognitive tools employed by scientists, philosophers and scholars or writers of fiction. The result is a provocative study of our talent and propensity for creating imaginary worlds, different from the world we know yet invaluable to our understanding of it. Of Literature and Knowledge is a noteworthy challenge to contemporary critical theory, arguing that by bridging the gap between literature and science we might not only reinvigorate literary studies but, above all, further our understanding of literature.

Narrative Theory

Narrative Theory

Author: Kent Puckett

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2016-11-14

Total Pages: 361

ISBN-13: 1107033667

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Narrative Theory offers an introduction to the field's critical and philosophical approaches towards narrative throughout history.


Book Synopsis Narrative Theory by : Kent Puckett

Download or read book Narrative Theory written by Kent Puckett and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2016-11-14 with total page 361 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Narrative Theory offers an introduction to the field's critical and philosophical approaches towards narrative throughout history.

Narrative and the Self

Narrative and the Self

Author: Anthony Paul Kerby

Publisher: Indiana University Press

Published: 1991-11-22

Total Pages: 160

ISBN-13: 9780253114501

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Examining the constitutive role of language and narration in key areas of human experience, Narrative and the Self articulates a view of the self as the implied subject of narrative utterances. Anthony Paul Kerby draws on the diverse insights of recent work in philosophy, literary theory, and psychology to synthesize a coherent and provocative view of narrative identity and selfhood. Invoking the writings of Benveniste, Ricoeur, Merleau-Ponty, Lacan, Taylor, and other theorists, he argues that language and narration play a central role in key aspects of human experience such as emotion, values, recollection, and sense of history. Fundamental to Kerby's exposition is a defense of the quasi-narrative nature of our everyday experience. Kerby delineates a convincing narrative model of the self and offers a valuable overview of contemporary philosophical issues surrounding the place and role of narrative in human experience.


Book Synopsis Narrative and the Self by : Anthony Paul Kerby

Download or read book Narrative and the Self written by Anthony Paul Kerby and published by Indiana University Press. This book was released on 1991-11-22 with total page 160 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Examining the constitutive role of language and narration in key areas of human experience, Narrative and the Self articulates a view of the self as the implied subject of narrative utterances. Anthony Paul Kerby draws on the diverse insights of recent work in philosophy, literary theory, and psychology to synthesize a coherent and provocative view of narrative identity and selfhood. Invoking the writings of Benveniste, Ricoeur, Merleau-Ponty, Lacan, Taylor, and other theorists, he argues that language and narration play a central role in key aspects of human experience such as emotion, values, recollection, and sense of history. Fundamental to Kerby's exposition is a defense of the quasi-narrative nature of our everyday experience. Kerby delineates a convincing narrative model of the self and offers a valuable overview of contemporary philosophical issues surrounding the place and role of narrative in human experience.

Narrative, Emotion, and Insight

Narrative, Emotion, and Insight

Author: Noël Carroll

Publisher: Penn State Press

Published: 2011

Total Pages: 198

ISBN-13: 0271048573

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"A collection of essays, written for this volume by leaders in the field, that study the emotional and cognitive significance of narrative and its implications for aesthetics and the philosophy of art"--Provided by publisher.


Book Synopsis Narrative, Emotion, and Insight by : Noël Carroll

Download or read book Narrative, Emotion, and Insight written by Noël Carroll and published by Penn State Press. This book was released on 2011 with total page 198 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "A collection of essays, written for this volume by leaders in the field, that study the emotional and cognitive significance of narrative and its implications for aesthetics and the philosophy of art"--Provided by publisher.

Postmodern Narrative Theory

Postmodern Narrative Theory

Author: Mark Currie

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

Published: 2010-12-09

Total Pages: 279

ISBN-13: 1350309818

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How have developments in literary and cultural theory transformed our understanding of narrative? What has happened to narrative in the wake of poststructuralism? What is the role and function of narrative in the contemporary world? In this revised, updated and expanded new edition of an established text, Mark Currie explores these central questions and guides students through the complex theories that have shaped the study of narrative in recent decades. Postmodern Narrative Theory, Second Edition: • establishes direct links between the workings of fictional narratives and those of the non-fictional world • charts the transition in narrative theory from its formalist beginnings, through deconstruction, towards its current concerns with the social, cultural and cognitive uses of narrative • explores the relationship between postmodern narrative and postmodern theory more closely • presents detailed illustrative readings of known literary texts such as Stevenson's Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde and Conrad's Heart of Darkness, and now features a new chapter on Coetzee's Elizabeth Costello and Slow Man. Approachable and stimulating, this is an essential introduction for anyone studying postmodernism, the theory of narrative or contemporary fiction.


Book Synopsis Postmodern Narrative Theory by : Mark Currie

Download or read book Postmodern Narrative Theory written by Mark Currie and published by Bloomsbury Publishing. This book was released on 2010-12-09 with total page 279 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: How have developments in literary and cultural theory transformed our understanding of narrative? What has happened to narrative in the wake of poststructuralism? What is the role and function of narrative in the contemporary world? In this revised, updated and expanded new edition of an established text, Mark Currie explores these central questions and guides students through the complex theories that have shaped the study of narrative in recent decades. Postmodern Narrative Theory, Second Edition: • establishes direct links between the workings of fictional narratives and those of the non-fictional world • charts the transition in narrative theory from its formalist beginnings, through deconstruction, towards its current concerns with the social, cultural and cognitive uses of narrative • explores the relationship between postmodern narrative and postmodern theory more closely • presents detailed illustrative readings of known literary texts such as Stevenson's Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde and Conrad's Heart of Darkness, and now features a new chapter on Coetzee's Elizabeth Costello and Slow Man. Approachable and stimulating, this is an essential introduction for anyone studying postmodernism, the theory of narrative or contemporary fiction.