Are Categorization&Concept Formation keys to our ability to order ourthoughts & condense info fm experience?

Question

I think Categorization & Concept formation are central to our ability to develop our thoughts from a variety of information inputs to our senses and our minds. The cognitive processes, or if you prefer the word 'strategies' instead, of categorizing and forming concepts help our minds to condense information that then can be easily and quickly stored, revised, and retrieved as needed by the mind in real time situations.

What are your views on the two processes/strategies stated, please, without anchoring them in either criticism or agreement of my views. I want your unique views which are linked to how you think of thinking.

One philosopher who thought so was Kant who proposed 12 categories to handle/organize the relationship between thinking taking place as thoughts in our minds and the real world surrounding us.

Do you think Kant built on the foundations laid down by Aristotle's methods of classification and organization?

This is a cognitive psychology question and it is asking about a possible strategy of how we think esp of how our minds convert information inputs into usable, relevant, knowledge that is easily stored,revised, and retrieved from memory.

Nobody merits any consideration as 'best answer'. Apparently the pool of available minds interested in such questions at Yahoo Answers is non-existent.TWH

Answer 1

The important point about categorization is that it is grounded in the aims and goals of the categorizer. I have seen an experiment where participants were placed in groups and given an identical written description of a house. They were then asked to remember as many details about the house as possible. One group who were asked to read the description from the point of view of a real estate agent recalled details such as large garden, fireplaces etc, and the other who held the point of view of a burglar remembered details such as the secluded drive and expensive contents. Each group categorised objects in terms of their own perspective. The same applies for concepts. My concept of snow will differ greatly from that of an innuit, even though we might have seen an equal number of varieties of snow, simply because snow has much less importance to me in my daily life.

As for your perspective as 'question asker', you are seeking some kind of confirmation of concepts that you have formed, by observing 'how we think', and the lack of satisfactory answers (as you see it) has allowed you to 'categorize' yahoo answerers as being uninterested in cognitive psychology. I certainly hope this answer can undo this confirmation bias.

Answer 2

If you will not allow for debate or criticism than you should not enter into such discussions. The very nature of this type of inquiry involves one's ability to accept other people's views. Furthermore, if I am not allowed to agree or disagree with you then what can I do? Honestly, I have to understand what you are saying if I am to put an honest effort into sharing what I think. And you do not want me to agree or criticize. As such there is really not much I can do. And there is also the fact that your statements are ambiguous and confusing.

It is impossible to prove the existence of these so called "keys".

You speak of them as if they are actual entities.

The process you outline makes no sense as you end up with the development of thoughts taking place through these keys and then ending up in the mind. How is this remotely plausible?

Categorization formation means what -the ability to group round things in a round group, blue things in a blue group ...?

What is the difference between the conception of a concept and a thought? I do believe you need to define your terms more precisely before attempting ask to this question.

A concept, an idea, a thought... how are these different in your theory?

Also you say that we then retrieve information and not a thought so I am afraid this is also not clear.

Answer 3

Every mind is different. Levels of energy, size, use and I.Q. And to answer that question we would have to look at one person and take the conclusions only on the base that they are only pertaining to this one person cause the next person could be drastically different. It would be an endless process with many different answers and results. Categorizing is something that makes it easier to diagnose a person.

Answer 4

It's kind of like a half baked cake, or a bird with one wing. This categorization and concept formation is just like the skin on top of the water. Deep intuitive wisdom requires more than what you are expressing in your question.

Answer 5

concept formation is simply a rewording of 'condense info fm experience'; therefore, you are asking a circular question.

and that, by the way, was an example of 'categorization'. since categorization is also a concept, no doubt formed from experience, we are at concept formation/condense info from experience again.

thus, a=b=c, and i would have to say in reply to your question as i understand it: yes, thinking does require thinking, which requires thinking.

Answer 6

SKIP the mystical experience. Only the ego is attached to it - or worse - fears it NOT happening like the 'top of the mountain' metaphor. Ecstatic light bulb experiences are better left to worldly pursuits - the Eureka of a mathematical proof, the bliss of the athlete or performer. The inner path to truth - as stated several times above - is to resonate with the truth of who you are, the authentic Self, essential nature - WHAT you love as the divine experience is your purpose for being here. Only the ego's fears and attachments distract you. AND, SKIP following a trail of insights, or you'll never get out of the ego maze and experience "eternal aliveness." Examine your external experience of reality, notice how you feel about it, and begin giving up what you do not want. There is no simpler path back to the truth that is unique to each of us. "You know them by their fruits."

Answer 7

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Answer 8

there is absolutely no point in me giving my answer or input as it is obvious that you have reached your own answer and conclusion. I will give you this advice though RELAX AND ENJOY LIFE AND GIVE YOUR MIND A REST.

Answer 9

there is a question somewhere, but where... it lays somewhere deep deep and I need a cognitive process to retrieve it.... it must be somewhere!!

Answer 10

he cant answer you now

he is sleeping ...bye