Serendip is an independent site partnering with faculty at multiple colleges and universities around the world. Happy exploring!

Reply to comment

eglaser's picture

Thinking about thinking

As we begin to discuss the neocortex and the concept of 'higher thinking' or thinking about thinking, I am intrigued by the thought of how that thought process works. Is a neocortex all that is required for 'higher thinking'? If so, why have we developed it where other mammals have not? Or have they? I understand how the brain is shaped by our personal experiances and behaviors but how does thinking alter the brain?

Simple thought is not necessarily considered to be a behavior so, does it have an impact on the structure of the brain? Can you detect thoughts in the brain with an MRI? What is the physiology of a thought?

Reply

To prevent automated spam submissions leave this field empty.
10 + 4 =
Solve this simple math problem and enter the result. E.g. for 1+3, enter 4.