Re: Unconscious Processes Vs. Unconscious Mind

From: Bardwell, Sam (swrb195@soton.ac.uk)
Date: Tue May 28 1996 - 13:52:18 BST


What is the difference between an uncoscious process and an unconscious
mind?

Before we can ascertain the difference between these two subjects we
must first define what each is. Simply, an unconscious process is what
goes on in our head which enables us to perform any task, movement or
action. We are not aware of them going on, we cannot find them with
introspection, they are the HOW in our behaviour.

An unconscious mind is slightly more complex and is best defined by
first discussing a conscious mind. This can be thought of as feelings,
the thoughts we have duting the day, whether it be wanting, pain,
desire or frustration. We are aware of them and therefore can find them
with introspection. An unconscious mind would therefore translate to be
the feelings you are not aware of, a blatant contradiction in itself.
An unconscious mind is an attempt to solve the question of HOW but
instead simply re-creates the same question of HOW as you need to know
HOW the unconscious mind is doing things. It is parallel to the
homunculus problem.

So unconscious processes and unconscious minds are both attempts to
slove the problem of HOW in our minds, one fails to solve the problem,
which is the unconscious mind. While the other, unconscious processes,
concludes that there is something specific there but does not define
what it is.... for if it could cognitive psychology's fundamental
question would be solved.



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