People and paradigms: mental networks and the ventromedial prefrontal cortex

Abstract

A mental network can be thought of as an emotionally imposed schema. The first part of this paper suggests that the mental network provides an integrated explanation for the diverse functions of the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, and that mental networks provide the building blocks for self and Theory of Mind. The second part of the paper combines the mental network with the idea that theories generate emotions to provide an integrated explanation for paradigms, ideologies, sweeping statements, mysticism, theology, fundamentalism, conspiracy theories, and various concepts of God.

Using a cognitive model to analyze Big Five

“…The amygdala responds emotionally to experiences. This is modified by long-term emotional values stored within the orbitofrontal cortex, and the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmpfc) organizes emotional memories into mental networks (Friesen, 2021b).…”

“…Teacher thought begins to function at the level of language in early childhood, but it only starts to function independently at a theoretical level when Piaget's final formal operational stage is reached. The controversial nature of Teacher thought and Teacher emotion is illustrated by the response that I received to a short article that I recently published entitled Theories generate emotions (Friesen, 2021a). The very fact that one would have to publish an article to discuss emotions of order, beauty, and elegance-fundamental concepts that have been known and analyzed since Classic Greek times-indicates that the existence of Teacher emotion is currently controversial.…”

“…Looking briefly at the theory of mental symmetry, the diagram of mental symmetry (Figure 1) describes the fundamental characteristic of each cognitive module as well as the primary ways in which cognitive modules interact. Looking at this in more detail, Mercy thought applies emotional labels to experiences, while Teacher thought uses words to form theories-and theories also generate emotions (Friesen, 2021b). Stated succinctly, Teacher thought feels good when elements fit together in a way that demonstrates order-within-complexity while feeling bad when there is an exception to the rule.…”