Modular theory of mind: what it is and what it explains about the brain.

A way of conceiving the human mind that emphasizes specialization of functions.

Theory of mind tells us that specialized neurons in our brain allow us to generate hypotheses about how the minds of others work. This allows us to anticipate the behaviors and intentionality of others and, based on that, to direct our behavior. For this reason, it is an important skill in the acquisition of knowledge and behavior, and has been attributed an essential value in adaptive terms.

But how does this happen? Modular theory suggests that the mentalization process described above is possible because our mind works through different modules. We will see below what the modular theory of mind is all about and how it explains our cognitive processes..

Modular theory of mind: the psyche as a set of processes.

Among other things, the more traditional approach to theory of mind suggested that the mind is a multipurpose tool, capable of being activated by any kind of task or information. is a multipurpose tool, capable of being activated by any type of task or information.. Thus, regardless of whether we are presented with a logical-mathematical, linguistic, physical or social problem, our mind (as a unitary system) sets in motion mechanisms of perception and resolution of the problem.

In contrast to this conception, the modular approach holds that the mind is not a unitary or monolithic tool. Rather, it is a set of tools, each specialized in a specific problem, task or information. Beyond being a single multipurpose tool, the mind is conceived as a set of processes and systems specialized in a specific problem, task or information. a set of processes and systems specialized in solving different types of problems. (García García, 2008).

As such, each process would have a specific structure and competence. Therefore, each process is conceived as a distinct "module". Thus, the mind would be built by a set of modules specialized in a particular type of process or activity.

Development and background

In 1986, the philosopher and psycholinguist Jerry Fodor proposed that the mind is structured in "innate modules". He defined the latter as input systems (i.e., perceptual systems). According to Fodor, the modules function independently and specialized in a domain. Moreover, they are automatic and fast processes.

But our mind is not only composed of different modules encapsulated and independent of each other. Contrary to this, Fodor also proposed that in the middle of the modules there is a central system, whose task is to receive the information from the input systems (i.e. from the different modules). In other words, there is a central system that is responsible for integrating and recording the information processed by each module, and from this, we can generate complex processes and functions such as memory.

This is how Fodor developed the concept of "modularity". Through this he explained how perceptual and cognitive processes function as a set of modules with specialized tasks. One of the examples where the modular theory of mind is reflected is the theory of multiple intelligences, and another is the metaphor of the computer processor applied to the theory of mind.

Does our mind work like a Swiss army knife?

One of the most widely used ways in theory of mind to explain the modular approach is the Swiss Army Knife. It was proposed in 1994 by the psychologist Leda Cosmides and the anthropologist John Tooby, both specialized in evolutionary psychology.both of whom specialize in evolutionary psychology.

What they suggest is that, traditionally, the theory of mind held that the latter functioned as a common pocketknife that we can carry with us to solve any problem, from opening a can to cutting a piece of bread. In contrast, the modular theory of mind holds that the latter operates as a "Swiss army knife," which is also a manual utensil, but is composed of different tools with different functions.

It can have a knife, a pair of scissors, knives of different sizes, a flashlight, among others; and each one is useful to solve specifically some problems (and not others). In fact, its usefulness is precisely this: an extreme specialization of each componentThe physical bases of the mental modules of the mental modules are based on the physical basis of the mental modules, which allows to effectively solve concrete problems.

The physical bases of mental modules

According to this theory, the modular structure and organization would be the result of a complex phylogenetic process that has allowed us to develop different structures and mechanisms. In turn, this development occurs in an adaptive manner, i.e., it is a consequence of thethat is to say, it is a consequence of the constant modification of problems and tasks that our environment presents us with.

Thus, we generate new and different needs as we develop in a given context, which ends up building different mental modules. The latter, translated into neurophysiological language, corresponds to brain plasticity, corresponds to brain plasticity and the connectionist model, which holds that the information received is stored in neuronal circuits. Thus, part of the modular theory holds that the physiological basis of the nodules are precisely the clusters and neural networks; and in the same way, the psychophysical basis of modular development would be brain plasticity.

Bibliographical references:

• Bacáicoa Ganuza, F. (2002). The modular mind. Revista de Psicodidáctica, 13: 1-24.
• Robbins, P. (2017). Modularity of Mind. Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Retrieved October 03, 2018. Available at https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/modularity-mind/#CaseForMassModu.
• García García, E. (2008). Neuropsychology and education. From mirror neurons to theory of mind. Journal of Psychology and Education, 1(3): 69-89.
• Gómez Echeverry, I. (2010). Cognitive science, theory of mind and autism. Pensamiento psicológico, 8(15): 113-124.