psychology/neuroscience lay question
It's possible for the brain to physically modify itself (neuroplasticity) in directed ways, right? I.e. following some instruction/idea, rather than just repetition of certain pathways.
Does anyone have a theory for how the brain does that (if that's what happens)?
re: psychology/neuroscience lay question, food ref //
@lioness I think so, but I'm not sure where you're doing with this.
re2: psych/neuro //
@madewokherd so I think the answer has to be something like, the brain has a uniform physical representation for concepts/semantics and autobiological management (they're both neurons) so why wouldn't they interoperate seamlessly?
re3: psych/neuro //
@madewokherd so if ppl can decide "the next time situation X happens, I will remember to do voluntary physical action Y" for themselves & it works, the brain must have some kind of way to deliberately self-modify to create an association between "situation X" and "memory + voluntary action" (possibly just by thinking about them at the same time), and whatever that mechanism it, it should also work fine with less stereotypically "mind" responses.
re3: psych/neuro //
@lioness Yes. I'm asking how it's possible for that first thing to work.
re3: psych/neuro //
@madewokherd sorry I don't see replies while in the compose window on my phone
re4: psych/neuro //
@madewokherd I think I misunderstood your question.
I *think* the theory is that by activating two purpose-clusters/patterns of neurons simultaneously, those two clusters/patterns become associated with each other such that one queues the other.
re5: psych/neuro //
@madewokherd which could be implemented with a neuron/cell level rule of "if there are two signals flashing at the same frequency, maybe connect 'em a bit".
re: psychology/neuroscience lay question, food ref //
@madewokherd I think even the parts of the brain that deal with "body" things have to be associated with the parts that handle conscious/semantic knowledge. Like, thinking about food will trigger saliva reflexes, or erotic things for physical arousal. It's not based on physical stimuli; even reading text can trigger various responses, and it's dependent on the specific content, not on letter shapes or patterns or anything like that, right?