Correlates Between Socionics IM and the Brain

[tcaudilllg]

This thread is an attempt to directly correlate cognitive psychology to IM elements. Additionally, it introduces a new hypothesis of element damage as a means of correlating brain damage to problems processing the IM elements as described by Augusta. Some of the correlates may prove difficult to define; it is important to distinguish actual element processing in the mind from say, the minute relationships between cells which would be better described as IM aspects. Your comment (and constructive criticism) are appreciated.

Note: this thread will be updated as new conclusions are reached.


Se corellates

Vision

- Edwin Land's retinex theory of color constancy:
"The cortex compares information from various parts of the retina to determine the brightness and color for each area."

- opponent-process theory of color perception:
"color perception in terms of paired opposites: red vs. green, yellow vs. blue, white vs black."

- motion-sensing rods of the retina

- Color blindness: Se receptor damage

- feature detector cells in the primary visual cortex discern edges and delineating marks by means of contrast between other discerned features.



Ni corellates

- the supplementary motor cortex "is important for planning and organizing a rapid sequence of movements".

- the prefrontal cortex "calculates probable outcomes of various actions and plans movements according to those outcomes."



Si corellates

Vision

-The eye's function is carried out by highly complex Si interactions between different cell systems in the eye; these cell systems react in response to the external stimulie of light.

-The means by which the brain percieves visual information is an Si internal reproduction phenomenon. Damage to this system can cause blindsight.

-The phenomenon of quick eye movements (saccades) is an example of evolved disconnection between Si feedback paths.

General

-All sensory disabilities (deafness, blindness, etc.) are effects of a disconnect between Si's reception and internal replicant systems. (which are responsible for the reception's perception) These are due to either pathway damage/poor development, or damage/poor development to the systems themselves.



Ne corellates

- shape constancy allows us to recognize an object's shape independent of changes in space. (a big duck and a small duck are both ducks, is one example.)

-visual agnosia implies a partial degredation of Ne's functions. Given that visual agnosia arises from damage to the temporal cortex, it is suggested that part of Ne's processing is conducted there.


Fe correlates

- mirror neurons allow an individual to identify with others' actions.



Shared Processes

Se/Ni-Ne/Si

- Young-Helmholtz color-cone theory:
"color perception through relative rates of response by three kinds of cones, each kind maximally sensitive to different kinds of wavelengths."

Se/Si

- the somatosensory cortex is a processor of the relationship between Se and Si.

- motion blindness implies a feedback system disconnect between Se and Si.

- the sensation of pressure is a Si feedback system combined with Se depth analysis.

-Sensesthesia is a phenomenon of blurring between normally distinct element processes. (for example, saying the elements "have color") This phenomenon can be correlated to Jung's statement in Psychological Types of "functions fused with other functions, and parts of functions" as "archaic." (but as always with Jung's vaguities, "archaism" should be taken as lightly and critically as possible.)

Ni/Se

- The prefrontal cortex plans its actions in direct response to sensory information. ("lights, noises, and other sensory signals that lead to movement.")

- The motor cortex "produces a readiness potential before any voluntary movement"; the implications for cognition are such: planning occurs in response to suggestions of movement; thus planning is always contingent on movement. This is very important to us as Socionics proponents, because it is an empirical affirmation of Augusta's philosophy that the aspects are seeking each other: Ni only responds to suggestions of movements, which is exactly what Augusta has hypothesized. It is a partial affirmation of Augusta's dual-seeking theory, and of socionics' fundamental principle. The readiness potential theory, although proven beyond doubt in many studies, has been rejected by some psychologists on purely philosophical grounds. In the larger historical context of our time, Augusta's dual nature theory may be poised to not only put these concerns in context, but to provide foundations for an entirely new direction in philosophy.

An instance of explicit Ni dual-seeking at the aspect level may be evident in the disorder agnosognia. Patients with agnosognia, who have the condition due to damage of the right motor cortex. The motor cortex's sensory monitoring system -- a means of relationship of Ni to Se, what might think -- fails to function, preventing the brain from affirming whether its motor commands are being obeyed. (the means of ascertaining one's own paralysis.) The premotor cortex, however, plans movement regardless of whether or not it receives feedback. The implication is that planning in response to movement is an end in itself.


All statements are sourced from Biological Psychology, a text by James W. Kalat.