ConceptFundamental unit of cognitionA concept is a fundamental unit of cognition that classifies entities and encodes shared features. Concepts make it possible to form and combine ideas, draw inferences, and refer to external objects. They act as the meanings of words and play a central role in many cognitive processes, including perception, memory, and reasoning. Researchers distinguish different types of concepts based on their internal structure, mode of acquisition, and domain.
CognitionCognition encompasses mental processes that deal with knowledge. It includes psychological activities that acquire, store, retrieve, transform, or apply information. Cognitive processes are a fundamental part of mental life, helping individuals understand and interact with the world. Cognitive processes are typically categorized by their function.Mental representationA mental representation (or cognitive representation), in philosophy of mind, cognitive psychology, neuroscience, and cognitive science, is a hypothetical internal cognitive symbol that represents external reality or its abstractions. Mental representation is the mental imagery of things that are not actually present to the senses.
IdeaAn idea (from the Greek word: ἰδέα (idea), meaning 'a form, or a pattern') is the result of thought. Although the word is used in common usage, in philosophy, ideas can also be mental representational images of some object. Many philosophers have considered ideas to be a fundamental ontologicalcategory of being. The capacity to create and understand the meaning of ideas is considered to be an essential and defining feature of human beings.
MemoryFaculty of mind to store and retrieve dataOverview of the forms and functions of memoryMemory is the faculty of the mind by which data or information is encoded, stored, and retrieved when needed. It is the retention of information over time for the purpose of influencing future action. If past events could not be remembered, it would be impossible for language, relationships, or personal identity to develop.
Problem solvingProblem solving is the process of achieving a goal by overcoming obstacles, a frequent part of most activities. Problems in need of solutions range from simple personal tasks (e.g. how to get from point A to B) to complex issues in business and technical fields. The former is an example of simple problem solving (SPS) addressing one issue, whereas the latter is complex problem solving (CPS) with multiple interrelated obstacles.
ImaginationImagination is the representation of sensations or physical objects in the mind without any immediate input of the senses. Often described as forming pictures in the mind, it is commonly equated with mental imagery, though imaginary experiences do not have to be purely visual, and can include other sensory experiences, thoughts, and emotions.
InformationInformation is an abstract concept that refers to something which has the power to inform. At the most fundamental level, it pertains to the interpretation (perhaps formally) of that which may be sensed, or their abstractions. Any natural process that is not completely random and any observable pattern in any medium can be said to convey some amount of information.
PerceptionInterpretation of sensory informationThe Necker cube and Rubin vase can be perceived in more than one way.Humans are able to make a very good guess on the underlying 3D shape category/identity/geometry given a silhouette of that shape. Computer vision researchers have been able to build computational models for perception that exhibit a similar behavior and are capable of generating and reconstructing 3D shapes from single or multi-view depth maps or silhouettes.
DeliberationDeliberation is a process of thoughtfully exchanging and weighing options, for example prior to voting. Deliberation emphasizes the use of logic and reason as opposed to power-struggle, creativity, or dialogue. Deliberation ideally entails that the merits of an argument are considered, rather than the standing of the arguer. Group decisions are generally made after deliberation through a vote or consensus of those involved.
ReasonReason is the capacity to consciously apply logic by drawing validconclusions from new or existing information, with the aim of seeking truth. It is associated with activities considered characteristic of humans, including philosophy, religion, science, language, and mathematics, and is generally considered a distinguishing ability possessed by humans. The term "reason" is sometimes used to refer to rationality, although the latter is more about its application.
JudgementJudgement (or judgment) is the evaluation of given circumstances to make a decision or form an opinion. It may also refer to the result of such an evaluation, or to the ability of someone to make good judgements. In an informal context, a judgement may refer to an opinion expressed as fact. In logic, judgements assert the truth of statements.
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