Well, I can't resist this one!
On Nov 26, 2012, at 7:32 PM, Terence Love wrote:
> One of the essential differences that new findings of neuroscience bring is
> there is no need for an executive function in explaining phenomena or human
> action, thought and feelings.
>
> The idea that an executive function is needed is a throwback to the
> subjectivist view of phenomenology based on the reification of the idea
> there is a 'me' that is doing the looking. Ditto the idea of looking through
> the window to see if one is there.
Terry,
You need to cite the neuroscience you refer to, or, at least, argue your opinion more convincingly. An executive function (I call it Intentional Thought) exists in our understanding of mind as soon as we acknowledge that the brain/mind makes decisions as it processes neurally coded information (references, organizes, resolves, compresses, forgets, defers, etc.) The "self" is no homonucleus doing this decision making, it is the brain doing what it does. In my view "self" is a person focused accumulation of interpreted experience in that person's memory. "Self" knowledge is applied (through Reflective thought) to "subjectively" interpret experienced phenomena. It also informs that nasty old executive function, intentional thought, about preferences, habits of mind and any other cumulative expressions of self thought relevant to the focus and conduct of thought. Interpretation is subjective, phenomena are actually experienced (unless just talked about or recalled subjectively) Even "objective" measurements of phenomena are subjectively interpreted. That is why scientists and engineers try so hard to assure replication of outcomes.
If you continue to believe that no such a thing as executive function is needed to explain" human action, thought and feelings" why not chew on this:
Although rational thought remains possible after damage to the prefrontal cortex where feelings are processed, people who suffer such damage find themselves unable to set goals and make the decisions that characterize intentional thought. “When they look out at the world and think, ‘What should I do now?’ they see dozens of choices but lack immediate internal feelings of like and dislike. They must examine the pros and cons of every choice with their reasoning but in the absence of feeling they see little reason to pick one over the other.” Haidt, Jonathan 2006: The Happiness Hypothesis, New York, Basic Books p12
Rational thought isn't the only executive function. Feelings about what to think or do are essential to Intentional thought, the executive mode that directs and manages purposeful thought regarding a focal situation.
Or so I believe,
Chuck
Charles Burnette, PhD
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