Superior Pattern Processing is the Essence of the Evolved Human Brain
Humans have long pondered the nature of their mind/brain and, particularly why its capacities for reasoning, communication and abstract thought are far superior to other species, including closely related anthropoids. This article considers superior pattern processing (SPP) as the fundamental basis...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Frontiers Media S.A.
2014-08-01
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| Series: | Frontiers in Neuroscience |
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| Online Access: | http://journal.frontiersin.org/Journal/10.3389/fnins.2014.00265/full |
| _version_ | 1828221841086349312 |
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| author | Mark eMattson |
| author_facet | Mark eMattson |
| author_sort | Mark eMattson |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Humans have long pondered the nature of their mind/brain and, particularly why its capacities for reasoning, communication and abstract thought are far superior to other species, including closely related anthropoids. This article considers superior pattern processing (SPP) as the fundamental basis of most, if not all, unique features of the human brain including intelligence, language, imagination, invention, and the belief in imaginary entities such as ghosts and gods. SPP involves the electrochemical, neuronal network-based, encoding, integration, and transfer to other individuals of perceived or mentally-fabricated patterns. During human evolution, pattern processing capabilities became increasingly sophisticated as the result of expansion of the cerebral cortex, particularly the prefrontal cortex and regions involved in processing of images. Specific patterns, real or imagined, are reinforced by emotional experiences, indoctrination and even psychedelic drugs. Impaired or dysregulated SPP is fundamental to cognitive and psychiatric disorders. A broader understanding of SPP mechanisms, and their roles in normal and abnormal function of the human brain, may enable the development of interventions that reduce irrational decisions and destructive behaviors. |
| first_indexed | 2024-04-12T16:46:53Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-39809614e0544712bbd91e0f102622c7 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1662-453X |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-04-12T16:46:53Z |
| publishDate | 2014-08-01 |
| publisher | Frontiers Media S.A. |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Frontiers in Neuroscience |
| spelling | doaj.art-39809614e0544712bbd91e0f102622c72022-12-22T03:24:33ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Neuroscience1662-453X2014-08-01810.3389/fnins.2014.0026598857Superior Pattern Processing is the Essence of the Evolved Human BrainMark eMattson0National Institute on AgingHumans have long pondered the nature of their mind/brain and, particularly why its capacities for reasoning, communication and abstract thought are far superior to other species, including closely related anthropoids. This article considers superior pattern processing (SPP) as the fundamental basis of most, if not all, unique features of the human brain including intelligence, language, imagination, invention, and the belief in imaginary entities such as ghosts and gods. SPP involves the electrochemical, neuronal network-based, encoding, integration, and transfer to other individuals of perceived or mentally-fabricated patterns. During human evolution, pattern processing capabilities became increasingly sophisticated as the result of expansion of the cerebral cortex, particularly the prefrontal cortex and regions involved in processing of images. Specific patterns, real or imagined, are reinforced by emotional experiences, indoctrination and even psychedelic drugs. Impaired or dysregulated SPP is fundamental to cognitive and psychiatric disorders. A broader understanding of SPP mechanisms, and their roles in normal and abnormal function of the human brain, may enable the development of interventions that reduce irrational decisions and destructive behaviors.http://journal.frontiersin.org/Journal/10.3389/fnins.2014.00265/fullHippocampusLanguage DisordersevolutionNeuronal NetworkReligion and Science |
| spellingShingle | Mark eMattson Superior Pattern Processing is the Essence of the Evolved Human Brain Frontiers in Neuroscience Hippocampus Language Disorders evolution Neuronal Network Religion and Science |
| title | Superior Pattern Processing is the Essence of the Evolved Human Brain |
| title_full | Superior Pattern Processing is the Essence of the Evolved Human Brain |
| title_fullStr | Superior Pattern Processing is the Essence of the Evolved Human Brain |
| title_full_unstemmed | Superior Pattern Processing is the Essence of the Evolved Human Brain |
| title_short | Superior Pattern Processing is the Essence of the Evolved Human Brain |
| title_sort | superior pattern processing is the essence of the evolved human brain |
| topic | Hippocampus Language Disorders evolution Neuronal Network Religion and Science |
| url | http://journal.frontiersin.org/Journal/10.3389/fnins.2014.00265/full |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT markemattson superiorpatternprocessingistheessenceoftheevolvedhumanbrain |