A Theory of the Microdynamics of Occurrent Thought

Herbert S. Demmin

A Theory of theMicrodynamics of Occurrent Thought (T2) is based on a reflective analysis of occurrent thoughts (OTs) in the spirit of phenomenological philosophy and proposes that such thoughts consist of a specific combination of ten or fewer micro phases possessing phenomenal contents that are so brief that most of us are unaware of their existence. The theory specifies the “movements” of an operating I or central executive in, as, and among these phases in the service of “processing” their contents by fleetingly “becoming” them, followed by one of several transitions of attention that bring about different degrees of their objectification. The relatively fixed sequences of the phases of OTs, along with an operating I’s immersion in and “face-up” or “face-down” surfacing from their phenomenal contents, form a structure that carries and drives “on-line” cognition, supporting the view that they play a causal role in human information processing. Two categories, two forms, and fifteen different types of OTs are defined based on the transitions of an operating I therein. This book includes detailed illustrations of the different types of OTs.

Lexington Books

Pages: 254 • Trim: 6⅜ x 9¼

978-1-4985-1148-3 • Hardback • August 2015 • $121.00 • (£93.00)

978-1-4985-1149-0 • eBook • August 2015 • $115.00 • (£88.00)

Subjects: Psychology / Cognitive Psychology & Cognition, Language Arts & Disciplines / Communication Studies, Psychology / General

A Theory of the Microdynamics of Occurrent Thought

Hardback

eBook

Summary

A Theory of theMicrodynamics of Occurrent Thought (T2) is based on a reflective analysis of occurrent thoughts (OTs) in the spirit of phenomenological philosophy and proposes that such thoughts consist of a specific combination of ten or fewer micro phases possessing phenomenal contents that are so brief that most of us are unaware of their existence. The theory specifies the “movements” of an operating I or central executive in, as, and among these phases in the service of “processing” their contents by fleetingly “becoming” them, followed by one of several transitions of attention that bring about different degrees of their objectification. The relatively fixed sequences of the phases of OTs, along with an operating I’s immersion in and “face-up” or “face-down” surfacing from their phenomenal contents, form a structure that carries and drives “on-line” cognition, supporting the view that they play a causal role in human information processing. Two categories, two forms, and fifteen different types of OTs are defined based on the transitions of an operating I therein. This book includes detailed illustrations of the different types of OTs.

Details

Lexington Books

Pages: 254 • Trim: 6⅜ x 9¼

978-1-4985-1148-3 • Hardback • August 2015 • $121.00 • (£93.00)

978-1-4985-1149-0 • eBook • August 2015 • $115.00 • (£88.00)

Subjects: Psychology / Cognitive Psychology & Cognition, Language Arts & Disciplines / Communication Studies, Psychology / General

Author

Herbert S. Demmin is a clinical psychologist with over thirty years of experience. He has a private practice in Nashua, New Hampshire.

Table of Contents

List of FiguresPrefaceIntroductionChapter 1: Preliminary Considerations Chapter 2: Primary Occurrent Thoughts
Chapter 3: Secondary Occurrent Thoughts
Chapter 4: The Different Types of Occurrent Thoughts
Chapter 5: The Significance of Occurrent Thoughts in Cognition
Chapter 6: Visual Imagery
Chapter 7: Barsalou’s Perceptual, Modal Theory of Knowledge
Chapter 8: Memory
Chapter 9: Conceptual Short-Term Memory
Chapter 10: Summary and Discussion
References
About the Author

Reviews

Demmin offers a new theory of the microdynamics of occurrent thought and its influence on our subjectivity and self-awareness. In contrast to traditional narrow definitions of occurrent thought, Demmin offers the reader a meticulously detailed argument of the complexity of the microphases, patterned sequences, contents and transitions of attention that drive cognition and make our understanding of occurrent thought more nuanced. Indeed, Demmin reveals that occurrent thought process is much more complex than previously thought. This book will be of immense value to academics, theorists, philosophers and psychologists who wish to understand the subtle, complex and multifaceted nature of occurrent thoughts as they define a fundamental aspect of our subjectively given humanity.
— Cora Smith, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa

Thinking is so much part of our mental life, yet is often so poorly understood and even dismissed. Demmin in this book not only challenges the currently held views on occurrent thinking, but also provides a reflective and meticulous analysis of such thoughts. Well referenced, his integration of neuroscience, psychology, and philosophy provides a sound basis for a dynamic model of occurrent thinking that cannot be ignored in its breath and detail. A must for anyone engaging in cognitive science research, or who is curious about the phenomenology of everyday thinking.
— Ingo Lambrecht, Manawanui, Maori Mental Health Services, Auckland District Health Board, New Zealand

A Theory of the Microdynamics of Occurrent Thought

Herbert S. Demmin

A Theory of the Microdynamics of Occurrent Thought

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