Dialectic of mind
The dual-process dialectic of mind is a framework that builds upon the principles of dual process theory, which posits the existence of two distinct systems in human cognition: the intuitive mind and the logical mind. It seems apparent that negative schemata originate from usage of the intuitive mind where logic is needed. Thus, with this view, it becomes necessary to dialectically create a synthesis or "synthetic mind" in order to locate cognitive distortions that have become schemata (using intuitive faculties) and eliminate them (using logical faculties).
History
The dialectic of mind has been independently developed by several ancient philosophers:
Plato envisioned the soul as a chariot, with the logistikon (representing intellect and reason) as the driver; the horses pulling the cart are thymoeides and epithymetikon, our spirit and our desires.[1] Plato advocated for a state of justice - balance within the soul, where each part performs its function without overriding the others. The rational part should guide the individual, with the spirited and appetitive part supporting its decisions without dominating the soul.[2] Aristotle distinguished between the intellectual virtues of the mind capable of reason, and the ethical virtues of the mind capable of emotion.
Citations
- ^ Plato 2008, 246a–b.
- ^ Plato 1998, 4.433a.
References
- Plato (30 October 2008). Phaedrus. Translated by Jowett, Benjamin. Project Gutenberg.
- Plato (1 October 1998). The Republic. Translated by Jowett, Benjamin. Project Gutenberg.