Modular theory of mind: how does the human brain work?
The modular theory of the mind proposes a reconceptualization of the way in which its functioning is understood. Each component contributes to the purpose, but separately.
The understanding of how the human brain works has never been uniform. Different theories emerged and one of them is the modular theory of mind (MMT).
According to MMT, the brain works by working in modules , each of which has its own specialty. So, there would be modules for the different activities that we carry out on a daily basis: for memory, for speech, for social relationships.
That is, we are talking about highly specialized structures . This achieves efficiency and optimization in operation.
How is this theory explained?
To understand what it is about, it is worth understanding that a module would be an equivalent to the organs, although on a mental level. Just as there is an organ that specializes in digestion, there would also be a module that would deal with certain mental processes.
Efficiency would be guaranteed because the total mind would not be involved in all operations, but in those that are required according to the activity. That is, modules are activated or deactivated on demand.
This type of theory highlights that modular organization is very advantageous, since in the event of a failure or adjustment, each module can correct itself or return to itself. If this were not the case, an error would impact the entire system. If not, the changes would have a cascading effect on the remaining components.
Now, modules should not be confused with the idea of anatomical structures. What it is about is thinking in terms of functions. On the other hand, it is true that modular organization is the result of phylogenetic evolution, that is, years of evolution and improvement of the brain.
Origins of the modular theory of mind
Around the 1980s, psycholinguist Jerry Fodor postulated that the mind functions from functional modules, of an innate nature, dedicated to a special activity. This idea was applied to the study of language.
According to TMM, there are innate structures or predispositions that facilitate the acquisition or learning of language , through a specific and specialized module for this purpose. Thus, there would be a willingness to pay attention or collaborate in understanding the linguistic signals or stimuli.
Now, to exemplify its counterpoint with the proposal of other theories, let’s continue with language. If language and its acquisition did not make up a specific module, but were part of a single system, since there is a compromise, this would also affect the language.
We know this does not happen. That is, there are boys and girls who may present delays or deficits in cognitive terms, but do not have difficulties in the acquisition or use of language. Hence, MMT has been a revelation in terms of how it works.
Other positions different from the modular theory of mind
The modular theory of mind is opposed to classical theories, according to which the mind is conceived as a unitary system. These had a strong influence from some of their promoters, among whom we find the behaviorists and Piaget . They are aspects that agree that there are general learning mechanisms , reaffirming this idea of the total mind .
The modular vision has its counterpoint, according to García García (2008), with behaviorist or associationist theories that conceive the mind as a system with a general purpose. Which would be multipurpose .
Everything could be resolved through this system operating as a whole. In other words, the total system would be involved in the resolution of a task or problem. In this sense, the metaphor used is that of the brain as an assembly line.
However, from the MMT view, each component contributes to the purpose, but in a modular or separate way. That is, processing can occur simultaneously, depending on each module in use.
The potential is in the intermediates, not at the pole
For a long time, and even in certain current debates, polar ideas predominate. They are nature versus culture , body versus mind , rational versus emotional .
However, progress tells us that these are not dogmatic discussions, but rather intersections between positions. Between the points of union and discussion between them, learning appears. The modular theory represented a revolution in the way of conceiving the functioning of the mind .
It is not about becoming fanatic about ideas or positions, but about enriching yourself and being open to the potential offered by the new and the revised old.
