HACKER Q&A
📣 desertraven

Do all mental processes have a physical existence?


If a unique idea or concept is created by a mind, it undeniably exists (albeit in an abstract sense).

Does it then have a physical existence? Does it propagate into space (electromagnetism)? Theoretically, could an idea/experience be reconstructed from the private thoughts of an individual?

If all mental workings have a physical component, would that mean that there is an encoding mechanism for subjective experience?

I could be asking the wrong questions here. My knowledge of physics and neuroscience in borderline nonexistent.

Thanks!


  👤 netizen-9748 Accepted Answer ✓
Theoretically yes, our thought processes appear to be the emergent properties of overall brain state. Brain state could be defined as locations and forms of all proteins, ions, and other compounds. Next brain state is entirely dependant on the previous state as you take infinitesimally small steps forward through time. Signals flow through our neuronal networks along pathways dependant on brain state, although signals when understood as action potentials are also part of the overall brain state.

👤 ohiovr
I have heard of reports of reconstructing a person's mental images using technology. I'm not sure where it led though.