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pixel01
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Hi all,
As I know, we think by language. So before language appeared, how could human beings think?
Thanks
As I know, we think by language. So before language appeared, how could human beings think?
Thanks
Q_Goest said:Langauge is a symbol manipulation system. Words are symbols which represent some structure, action, or other idea within the mind. I believe it was Dennett who said that the ability to think in terms of symbols was a crucial evolutionary step that differentiates humans from other animals and allowed us develop the society we have.
pixel01 said:I am trying think of doing something simple without using words. It seems possible though quite hard.
Thank you both.
pixel01 said:Hi all,
As I know, we think by language. So before language appeared, how could human beings think?
Thanks
John Creighto said:It is believed by some that we are genetically born with a universal grammar.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_grammar
The question is then how basic is the universal gramer. As a minum I think it should include
Implication: If X then Y
Assignment: X is a Y
Negation/complement: X is not a Y
Conjunction: OR
Disjunction: and
Example of an AI system that uses these ideas:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyc
pixel01 said:So before language appeared, how could human beings think?
Thanks
pixel01 said:Hi all,
As I know, we think by language. So before language appeared, how could human beings think?
Thanks
pixel01 said:Hi all,
As I know, we think by language. So before language appeared, how could human beings think?
Thanks
whybother said:I think language allows for "higher level" consciousness, higher level thought, which is why humans are generally considered the most intelligent animal. Langauge allows us to form more complicated structures, especially written language, it allows us to organize large scale endeavors, like society, and society builds the notion of consciousness. But language, at least human language is obviously not necessary for consciousness, or at least it's obvious to anyone who has a dog.
Our brains are wired for consciousness, not language. That's why it's still possible for deaf/mute people to be part of society... they are just as "conscious" as anyone else.
Gedatsu said:I would only replace conciousness by ego, because language enhances the you in relation to the world, you don't get more conscious, the non-language structure is just as conscious and acceptable, but the ego and thougn level are greatly enhanced by language.
Consciousness is the state of being aware of one's thoughts, feelings, and surroundings. It is the subjective experience of being alive and having a sense of self.
Language is a fundamental aspect of human consciousness as it allows us to communicate our thoughts, emotions, and experiences with others. It is through language that we are able to construct our understanding of the world and our place in it.
The debate over whether non-human animals possess consciousness and language is ongoing. While some argue that animals do have a level of consciousness and communication abilities, others believe that these traits are uniquely human.
Consciousness is closely tied to the brain, as it is the organ responsible for processing sensory information and generating thoughts and emotions. Neuroscientists study the brain to better understand how consciousness operates and how it is influenced by various factors.
Consciousness is a complex and subjective concept, making it difficult to measure or quantify. While there are various tests and assessments that attempt to measure aspects of consciousness, there is no definitive way to measure it as a whole.