Thinking to yourself.... how?

[Ramo]

It entirely depends upon the system that I'm thinking about.

If it can be represented in terms of a simpler but more precise language, like math, I try to think that way.

But primarily, I think in English.

[Urban Ranger]

For me it depends. If I need to dwell on abstract concepts it's not possible to visualise them, even though I am predominately a visual person.

Most often I don't really find myself consciously thinking, other than when I am doing something heavily mental (such as playing a game of bridge).

[Skanky Burns]

I mostly think in English, and rarely in symbols / images.

[Dauphin]

Originally posted by JohnT
I think in words. If I'm running an idea through my head (pros and cons) I run it through like a discussion.

But what about when you run things through quickly.

Many a time I can see where someone is going with a discussion point before they say it. If I were auto-completing the sentences in my head it would take longer than it actually does.

How about when think about taking a shot at golf, or shooting a hoop in basketball, or any other sport, do you think. "I am going to aim for that spot there". Many people probably say that in their mind, but if thats all the thinking you do then you are not going to hit the target, because you take into consideration and think over loads more factors.

[Immortal Wombat]

I don't think.
I can arrive at the correct 'output' to every 'input' without my brain getting in on the act at all.

[Urban Ranger]

Originally posted by Sagacious Dolphin
How about when think about taking a shot at golf, or shooting a hoop in basketball, or any other sport, do you think.

That'd involve expertise in some kind of motor skills, which are different from thinking about something.

Conscious thoughts usually enter the picture during preparation and reflection. The rest of the time your subconscious mind just takes over. You don't think how you will write an alphabet when you write it. You may think about how to write it before you do it, or when you study what you wrote to improve your handwriting.

Exceptions occur when you are learning some kind of motor skills. That's why when an infant starts learning how to write he writes slowly.

[MrFun]

Language is an integral part of any culture. And because cultural values are so prevelant in our modes of thinking, I would think that language is also part of our thinking modes.

[Stefu]

Words, naturally.

For some reason, there are certain things I think in English, even though it's not even my natural language. Weird.

[Kaak]

I would propose that thinking has to be done in words. If you translate the words to images, you are still manipulating the words. A blue sky. What is blue?

Descartes said "I think, therefore i am." He knew he thought because he could doubt. what did he doubt? his senses. Images are based on sense perception and experience. He doubted both of these, so he could not have define thinking as anything other than a cognative activity expressed with words...

[Eli]

I think in English, and I blame you all for that.

[Dauphin]

Originally posted by Urban Ranger


That'd involve expertise in some kind of motor skills, which are different from thinking about something.

You'd have to calculate things though. When someone throws something towards you, your brain automatically calculates a parabolic curve trajectory to estimate where to catch it. You in effect think where to catch it - consciously or subconciously. Whether you can or not is down to motor skills.

If you translate the words to images, you are still manipulating the words. A blue sky. What is blue?

So a person who never learns any languages can not imagine a blue sky, green field, etc.. in their mind? Or even express their though of a blue sky and green field by taking a blue and green crayon and drawing them.

IMHO language is not a prerequisite to thought and expression.

[Az]

I may be straying a bit off-topic , but...

did you know that we , human beings, do not take conscious decisions? all decisions are made on an unconscious level , while the efect of 'free will' , and 'dicision making' is only a side effect , something we feel is happening while it's not . there was an experiment that proved that.

Do you understand the meaning of this ?!

[Stefu]

there was an experiment that proved that.

I'd be interested in hearing about this experiment.

[Az]

I was also ****ing astonished when I heard that .

It involved a simple desicion making , and cortex activity measurment , IIRC.

If you're really interested , and you end up finding some material about , please let me know.

all being said, the experiment is considered to be rather controversial (obviously) , despite being made by an acknowledge specialist in this field.

( I know details I say look merky , but It was on a TV show on the science channel , quite a while ago...... )

[Juggernaut]

did you know that we , human beings, do not take conscious decisions? all decisions are made on an unconscious level , while the efect of 'free will' , and 'dicision making' is only a side effect , something we feel is happening while it's not . there was an experiment that proved that.

Exactly, a living being always acts according to one's preferences, preferences are gained through genes and environment, thus, no free will.

On the same note, there are no such things as "luck", or "chance", those are just substitutes for non-sufficent information.