Nature of Thought Paper Essay Example
Nature of Thought Paper Essay Example

Nature of Thought Paper Essay Example

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  • Pages: 3 (788 words)
  • Published: November 25, 2016
  • Type: Essay
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Thinking is the process of using thought or rational judgment, which involves using one's mind to contemplate or reason about something. It is a mental activity where individuals engage in mindful work to perceive and comprehend things. Effective thinking begins with acquiring knowledge because understanding the subject matter is crucial. Inefficient thinking occurs when individuals fail to grasp the content of their thoughts. Furthermore, our thoughts are greatly influenced by our sensory perceptions and have the power to shape our senses.

During adult activities such as attending class, driving, cooking, or cleaning, our senses play a crucial role in cognitive processing. They transmit information to our brain through our eyes, ears, and hands.

Memory refers to the capacity of an individual to store and retrieve information such as facts, events, impressions, an

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d past experiences. This cognitive function is situated in the brain and can be classified into two forms: short-term memory and long-term memory. Short-term memory lasts for approximately twenty to thirty seconds without rehearsal, whereas long-term memory holds significant importance in our cognitive processes and has a more extended time span. Our thinking ability depends on both our retention capability and the content of these memories. Difficulty in maintaining positive thoughts can arise due to a weak memory.

In order to improve our memory, it is crucial to provide it with dependable information and make notes for future events we wish to recall. There are different techniques for encoding information, including practicing and using mnemonic devices. Drugs encompass any chemical substances consumed that impact the body's functioning. Stimulants such as cocaine, ecstasy, and marijuana can disturb brain concentration and

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cause irritation. When drugs enter the brain, they have the capacity to change communication between brain cells and the rest of the body.

The potential long-term harm caused by drug use can persist for at least one year after quitting. Language is vital in our cognitive processes, as it assists in remembering, organizing, creating, evaluating, and decision-making. The language stored in our brain limits our thinking and greatly influences these cognitive processes (Kirby & Goodpaster, 2007, Chapter 5: Our Thinking Medium).

The way we perceive things is influenced by our language and cultural background. There was a particular moment in my life where I had a different perception of reality, which occurred when I went through the loss of my mother. Despite being aware that death is unavoidable for everyone, I held onto the belief that my mother would always be with me. When she fell seriously ill, I refused to accept the truth. Even after she underwent surgery, months of chemotherapy, and radiation treatment, I continued to hold onto false hope that her cancer wouldn't spread and she would fully recover.

Cancer cells were aggressively attacking my mother's body, leading to her gradual weakening over time. However, it was not until she entered hospice care that we truly grasped the harsh reality - there was no chance of her recovery. The doctors' use of ambiguous language prevented me from fully understanding the severity of her condition. Their intention was to protect my family from the painful truth, acting as a barrier between us and the grim reality. Even at her funeral, the whole experience still felt surreal, a lingering feeling that

persisted long after she had departed.

Repression resulting from avoiding the painful reality of losing my mother led to depression, which was intensified by factors like severe stress, a sense of hopelessness, and irrational thinking. Eventually, I realized that confronting my depression was necessary for personal growth. Stress is a major obstacle I face as it often overwhelms both my body and mind. Sources of stress include work and school overload, time constraints, financial responsibilities, and daily family troubles.

Stress can have detrimental effects on memory and cognitive functions, leading to a range of symptoms including decreased concentration, memory issues, depression, mood swings, irritability, episodes of crying, fatigue, headaches, social withdrawal, and an increase in unhealthy habits. Effectively managing stress is crucial as it can impact thinking abilities in various ways. Acquiring stress management techniques is essential for maintaining focus at work or school and when caring for children. Personal barriers refer to internal factors that impede the attainment of goals and may lead to self-destructive actions.

Personal obstacles can be challenging to eliminate as they often stem from ingrained habits and thinking patterns. Identifying one's personal barriers to achieving success in relationships, finances, and personal growth is the initial step in overcoming them. In conclusion, thinking is a valuable tool that leads to problem-solving strategies. Thinking involves the processes of comprehension and can be illustrated through problematic activities. The key operations in the thinking process include analysis, synthesis, comparison, generalization, abstraction, and concretization.

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