What is Cognition?
Cognition is defined as the mental action or process of acquiring knowledge and understanding through thought, experience, and the senses.
As a youngster, I once burnt my finger and I do mean that in the literal sense. It is a universal truth that when one touches a hot surface such as a stovetop the immediate reaction is to pull one’s hand away from the heat source. This automatic response is referred to as a reflex, the natural defence mechanism of the human body. Before one even realises that a finger has made contact with said surface, the hand has already moved. This reflexive action infers to a young mind that the heat from the stovetop is dangerous and caution should be exercised when in close proximity. The lesson; we ought not to touch the stovetop or our fingers will be burnt. This is a simple yet relatable example of cognition in action.
It can be deduced from the definition that cognition does not only occur through experiential learning and sensation, as alluded to in the example but can occur through thinking.
It all begins with a thought…
Every single thing on this planet that has been invented or built by man has started as nothing more than an idea. I’ve long thought about how truly remarkable it is that someone constructs an abstract concept of something in their mind and makes it real. They make something that is tangible, likely undeniably concrete and it all began as an idea.
There is a saying that reads as follows:
“Necessity is the mother of invention.”
I appreciate the depth behind the saying and a quick glance throughout human history points towards the accuracy of this particular adage. What does it mean, however?
It means that when we as human beings are faced with a problem, a problem that poses a possible threat to our existence we become capable of drawing upon all the resources at our disposal. We do this by thinking of innovative and creative ways to use our resources in order to provide a solution to said problem. To think, we need a brain.
The human brain, the only organ that distinguishes us as a species from other animals. Speech, intellect, language-learning, problem-solving and critical thinking are some of its functions. In modern civilisation, a hypothesis may be put forth, that certain members of our society potentially have a vacant space between their ears. Perhaps there is a subtle truth behind this hypothetical and suggestive bit of writing but I’d say we leave that to the masses to vote and decide.
The brain is the origin of all ideas that take place in the human mind. Whilst I will not delve into the many complex anatomical parts that make up the brain and their corresponding functions, I do wish to explore its properties. The beauty of the human brain is contained in but one of the many properties that it has, namely plasticity. Plasticity in relation to the brain is referred to as neuroplasticity, a term coined in 1948 by Polish neuroscientist Jerzy Konorski. Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s remarkable ability to adapt and change in response to external experiences. It is why cognition is possible in the first place.
New neuronal pathways are created and stronger neural connections form with increased exposure to a specific external stimulus. Take for example the more you practice solving mathematics problems the better you will become because pathways develop that will allow signals in the brain to propagate at a much faster rate.
Think about the people considered as some of the most critical role-players in the development and evolution of mankind. I’ll mention a few names.
The Wright brothers and their contribution to modern aviation as we know it has been considered one of the greatest feats. The development of software such as Windows by Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft and his Teams (get it?). The revolutionised version of the electric car by Elon Musk and the potential of interplanetary and commercialised space travel. These inventions and developments required a massive amount of cognitive engagement. Truthfully it is absolutely inspiring.
I’ll be frank, the list could go on forever but the point here is that before such brilliant ideas could take place these individuals had to master cognition, the process of acquiring knowledge.
So then why have I decided to call this new blog of mine Cognition? I feel that each of us have a moral imperative to teach one another. All I want to do is create a platform to share knowledge and create a space where I can also learn. I do not know everything.
My desire is for each of us to develop a hunger for knowledge, a passion for reading and learning. Not just for the sake of it but because we genuinely want to. Through my writing, I will hopefully open up minds to ideas that have not before been considered or ideas that you may not have come across.
- The end.
