The soul is an interesting concept and culture specific. I think most neuro scientis would call it the executive director. See below AI description of functions. While the prefrontal cortex is the CEO of executive function, it doesn't work alone. It's like a director collaborating with different departments (other brain regions) to produce a successful movie (achieve a goal).
The key brain areas involved:
* Prefrontal Cortex: This is the main hub, located at the front of your brain. It's responsible for planning, decision-making, working memory, and inhibiting inappropriate behavior.
* Basal Ganglia: These structures deep within the brain help with motor control, learning habits, and following rules. They're like the stage crew, ensuring smooth execution of actions.
* Parietal Lobe: Located towards the back and top of the brain, it plays a role in spatial awareness, attention, and working memory. Think of it as the set designer, helping you understand where things are and how they relate to each other.
* Anterior Cingulate Cortex: This area, found deep in the brain, helps with error detection, conflict monitoring, and emotional regulation. It's like the script supervisor, making sure everything is going according to plan and emotions are in check.
* Cerebellum: Traditionally known for coordinating movement, the cerebellum also contributes to cognitive functions like attention and timing. It's like the choreographer, ensuring smooth and efficient execution of cognitive processes.
It's important to remember that these areas are interconnected and work together as a network. Damage to any of these regions can affect executive function.
Think of it like a film set:
* Prefrontal Cortex (Director): Makes the overall plan and guides the actors.
* Basal Ganglia (Stage Crew): Handles props, sets up the stage, and ensures smooth transitions.
* Parietal Lobe (Set Designer): Creates the environment and ensures everything is in its place.
* Anterior Cingulate Cortex (Script Supervisor): Keeps an eye on details and ensures consistency.
* Cerebellum (Choreographer): Ensures smooth timing and coordination of actions.
This collaboration is what allows us to successfully navigate complex tasks and achieve our goals.
It is my view stoic practice on daily basis is like a dress rehearsal involving all these crew making sure they produce a great film or play that meets our life objectives IE eudaimonia, a good virtuous meaningful life. Meditation is part of this practice.
Wishing Brittany and her followers a happy Christmas and new year wherever you are!
Thanks for bringing this in, Tim. Marcus does refer to the soul in more of a Platonic way than most other Stoics do, which Chris Gill addresses in The Structured Self in Hellenistic and Roman Thought (pp. 96-100) if you'd like to look into it. Stoics generally prefer to discuss the hegemonikon (ruling center), which is quite compatible with our current understanding of the brain and what you call the executive director. Personally I like to think of the soul as the psyche, which describes our cognitive experience of the world, including our conscious awareness and physical embodiment. I think there is really a lot of promise in pursuing the psychophysical holism side of Stoicism.
Merry Christmas to you too, enjoy the time with your family!
You make mondays better!
Thanks, Kyle! Hope your week is off to a good start.
Happy Holidays Brittany and Family. Thanks for the meditations on a Monday morning.
Thank you, Enda! Same to you and Brenda. Hope you enjoy the holidays.
The soul is an interesting concept and culture specific. I think most neuro scientis would call it the executive director. See below AI description of functions. While the prefrontal cortex is the CEO of executive function, it doesn't work alone. It's like a director collaborating with different departments (other brain regions) to produce a successful movie (achieve a goal).
The key brain areas involved:
* Prefrontal Cortex: This is the main hub, located at the front of your brain. It's responsible for planning, decision-making, working memory, and inhibiting inappropriate behavior.
* Basal Ganglia: These structures deep within the brain help with motor control, learning habits, and following rules. They're like the stage crew, ensuring smooth execution of actions.
* Parietal Lobe: Located towards the back and top of the brain, it plays a role in spatial awareness, attention, and working memory. Think of it as the set designer, helping you understand where things are and how they relate to each other.
* Anterior Cingulate Cortex: This area, found deep in the brain, helps with error detection, conflict monitoring, and emotional regulation. It's like the script supervisor, making sure everything is going according to plan and emotions are in check.
* Cerebellum: Traditionally known for coordinating movement, the cerebellum also contributes to cognitive functions like attention and timing. It's like the choreographer, ensuring smooth and efficient execution of cognitive processes.
It's important to remember that these areas are interconnected and work together as a network. Damage to any of these regions can affect executive function.
Think of it like a film set:
* Prefrontal Cortex (Director): Makes the overall plan and guides the actors.
* Basal Ganglia (Stage Crew): Handles props, sets up the stage, and ensures smooth transitions.
* Parietal Lobe (Set Designer): Creates the environment and ensures everything is in its place.
* Anterior Cingulate Cortex (Script Supervisor): Keeps an eye on details and ensures consistency.
* Cerebellum (Choreographer): Ensures smooth timing and coordination of actions.
This collaboration is what allows us to successfully navigate complex tasks and achieve our goals.
It is my view stoic practice on daily basis is like a dress rehearsal involving all these crew making sure they produce a great film or play that meets our life objectives IE eudaimonia, a good virtuous meaningful life. Meditation is part of this practice.
Wishing Brittany and her followers a happy Christmas and new year wherever you are!
Thanks for bringing this in, Tim. Marcus does refer to the soul in more of a Platonic way than most other Stoics do, which Chris Gill addresses in The Structured Self in Hellenistic and Roman Thought (pp. 96-100) if you'd like to look into it. Stoics generally prefer to discuss the hegemonikon (ruling center), which is quite compatible with our current understanding of the brain and what you call the executive director. Personally I like to think of the soul as the psyche, which describes our cognitive experience of the world, including our conscious awareness and physical embodiment. I think there is really a lot of promise in pursuing the psychophysical holism side of Stoicism.
Merry Christmas to you too, enjoy the time with your family!