Modular Cognition Framework: Difference between revisions

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Cognitive systems are linked by ''interfaces'' which can be thought of as simple processors that enable the association and coactivation of representations in adjoining systems. The ''visual/auditory interface'', for example, links these two sensory perceptual systems and allows a visual representation to be associated and coactivated with a given auditory representation. Where a visual representation of, say, a tree is associated with the abstract meaning TREE, this would be explained as an association occurring between the visual and conceptual systems, i.e. across the VS/CS interface.

The set of cognitive systems can be conceptualised as consisting of two types. The first, forming an ''outer'' ring, consists of the set of ''perceptual'' systems that each receive a particular type of raw input (visual, auditory, olfactory etc) from the external environment via the senses and each produce as their output their own cognitive representations of the world outside. This means that the world that we feel we ''know'' as the ''external'' world is actually the world that is represented ''internally'' in our five perceptual systems.. Representations in these systems are collectively known as ''perceptual'' output structures ('''POpS'''). They are richly connected with one another and capable of very high activation levels necessary for survival. This makes them an essential part of how conscious experience is to be explained.

The second set of systems at an ''inner'' or ''deeper'' level are not connected directly with raw input coming in from the environment. They comprise the ''conceptual'' system responsible for abstract meanings, the ''affective'' system which is responsible for positive and negative values and basic emotions , the ''motor'' system and the ''spatial'' system. The final system or set of two systems are responsible for creating linguistic structure. The MCF currently uses the two-system alternative following Jackendoff <ref>Jackendoff, 1987, Jackendoff 2002.</ref>. are, respectively, the ''phonological'' system which associates specific auditory structures with ''phonological structures'' ('''PS''') and the ''syntactic'' system which associates ''syntactic representations'' ('''SS''') with meanings, i.e. conceptual structures ('''CS'''). Similarly, associations are also made between the two linguistic systems at the PS/SS interface. Inevitably the two linguistic systems are richly interconnected along with their direct connections with the conceptual and auditory system and also the visual system as well since it is currently assumed that ''sign language'' users make direct associations between visual representations ('''VS''') and representations in the phonological store hence making the phonological system do double duty (<ref>Sandler 2012</ref> Sandler 1999).

==Notes==