more from Matthew Cobb

Single Idea 23216

[catalogued under 15. Nature of Minds / A. Nature of Mind / 8. Brain]

Full Idea

A number of scientists are now realising that, by viewing the brain as a computer that passively responds ot inputs and processes data, we forget that it is an active organ, part of the body intervening in the world.

Gist of Idea

The brain is not passive, and merely processing inputs; it is active, and intervenes in the world

Source

Matthew Cobb (The Idea of the Brain [2020], Intro)

Book Reference

Cobb,Matthew: 'The Idea of the Brain' [Penguin 2020], p.4


A Reaction

I like any idea which reminds us that nature is intrinsically active, and not merely passive. Laws are in nature, not imposed on it. My preferred ontology, based on powers as fundamental, applies to the brain, as well as to physics. No free will needed.