What is thought?
Description
This philosophical exploration delves into the nature of thought, questioning its origins and capacity in both humans and animals. It examines the conscious activity of the brain, distinguishing between functional and reflective thought. The text compares the capabilities of humans and animals, suggesting that while animals may have functional thinking, humans possess a wider range of motion in thought, including metacognition. The author explores the evolutionary advantages of reflective thought and its potential relationship to human weakness, highlighting the paradoxical origins of complex thought. Comparable works include This piece has a philosophical tone similar to works by thinkers like Daniel Dennett, Thomas Nagel, or John Searle, who grapple with the nature of consciousness and its presence in animals.