Why aren't hunger thirst and (the need to) sleep considered reflexes?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the classification of hunger, thirst, and the need for sleep as reflexes. Participants argue that these physiological needs do not qualify as reflexes because they require conscious recognition and learning to address. Unlike reflex actions, which are automatic and involuntary responses to specific stimuli, hunger and thirst involve a cognitive process where individuals must understand the need and the solution, such as eating or drinking. The conversation highlights the distinction between involuntary reflexes and learned behaviors related to basic human needs.

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  • Understanding of physiological responses and reflex actions
  • Basic knowledge of human biology and homeostasis
  • Familiarity with concepts of learned behavior and cognition
  • Awareness of stimulus-response relationships in psychology
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  • Research the physiological mechanisms of hunger and thirst
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This discussion is beneficial for students of psychology, biology enthusiasts, and anyone interested in understanding the complexities of human physiological responses and behaviors.

RabbitWho
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A reflex is an automatic and involuntary response of a living thing to the presence of a stimulus. A reflex is usually a movement, but it can be the activation of secretion in a gland.

Is it because there is no particular stimulus? Not having eaten, drank, slept for a while is not considered a stimulus?
Is it because you have to learn what thirst is, you have to learn that drinking solves the problem?

Thank you.
 
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A reflex is performed without conscious thought - there is no pressing conscious need to do it you just do.
Properly triggered, a reflex is something you cannot choose not to do ... where you can choose to, say, starve to death.
There is also a relatively uncomplicated cause and effect involved in a reflex.

Consider also:
do you have a "death reflex" that is triggered by the application of large quantities of high-speed lead?
 
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Ok thanks! :)
 

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