Is the mind a collection of thoughts ?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the nature of the mind in relation to physics, specifically whether it is merely a collection of thoughts or something more complex. Participants explore the intersection of mind, brain, and matter, and question the implications of these concepts in scientific studies.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the definition of the mind in physics and whether it can be reduced to just thoughts.
  • Another participant proposes that the mind is fundamentally a collection of chemical reactions, suggesting a chemistry-based perspective.
  • A different participant emphasizes a metaphysical view of the mind, distinguishing it from the brain and seeking clarity on the nature of chemicals involved.
  • There is a challenge regarding the relevance of metaphysical discussions in a physics forum, with a suggestion to focus on neuroscience instead.
  • Some participants express confusion and a desire for a definitive answer regarding the workings of the mind and its relationship to the brain and consciousness.
  • It is noted that there are ongoing attempts to connect physical brain functions with abstract concepts like thought and consciousness, but no consensus exists on these connections.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the nature of the mind, with multiple competing views presented, including chemical, metaphysical, and neuroscience perspectives.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge the complexity of the question regarding how the brain, mind, and consciousness function, indicating that the topic is not fully resolved and may depend on definitions and interpretations.

sir.lemmiwink5
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What is the mind considered to be in physics ? Is it just a collection of thoughts ?

And has there ever been any studies done on the mind and matter manipulation ?

Appreciate all replies.

Physics is Phun
 
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For whatever it's worth, I have always considered the mind to be a collection of chemical reactions... more chemistry in my opinion.
 
okay, just to make clear that i was not talking about the brain and my take on the mind is that it is metaphysical. However, if you are talking about the same thing, then what type of chemicals do you believe is in this collection ? and has there been any studies or evidence to back what your saying, or is it more of a self belief ?

I would just like you to understand that i am not trying to undermine you in anyway, i appreciate you answering my question. I am just soo confused and am trying to find a definitive answer to make sense of it so i can go to sleep at night.

Cheers lasix.
 
Hi sir.lemmiwink5, and welcome to Physics Forums!

sir.lemmiwink5 said:
What is the mind considered to be in physics ? Is it just a collection of thoughts ?

"Mind" is a pretty slippery term; it might be better to use the word "brain". And regarding the brain, this is more a topic in biology and chemistry (see Neuroscience).

sir.lemmiwink5 said:
And has there ever been any studies done on the mind and matter manipulation ?

Please be more specific, what do you mean by "mind and matter manipulation"?

n.b. I could add though that there are no scientific indications or scientific reasons to believe that the brain does not follow the laws of physics at the bottom level.

EDIT:
sir.lemmiwink5 said:
okay, just to make clear that i was not talking about the brain and my take on the mind is that it is metaphysical.

Please note that this is a physics forum. We do not discuss metaphysics/philosophy here :wink:.
 
Last edited:
sir.lemmiwink5 said:
okay, just to make clear that i was not talking about the brain and my take on the mind is that it is metaphysical.

As has been said, we do not discuss metaphysical subjects here on PF. That is not the purpose of this forum.

I would just like you to understand that i am not trying to undermine you in anyway, i appreciate you answering my question. I am just soo confused and am trying to find a definitive answer to make sense of it so i can go to sleep at night.

Cheers lasix.

There is no definitive answer. The question "how does our brain/mind/consciousness work" is far from answered. However, there are real attempts being made to connect the physical brain with the more abstract concepts like thought, memory, consciousness, etc. If you'd like to find out more about those topics then feel free to head on over to the biology subforum and post a few questions. Just stick to real physics and not metaphysics.
 

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