The term ‘cognitive’ encompasses mental processes such as memory, language and thought. In this article, we explore the different cognitive functions, potential disorders and ways of improving these mental abilities.
Key points
- Cognitive functions, including memory, language and thought, structure our mental processes and our interaction with the environment.
- Cognitive disorders, such as dementia or delirium, demonstrate the fragility of cognitive abilities and the importance of protecting our brains.
- Cognitive sciences are a crucial multidisciplinary field for understanding the mechanisms of human thought and have a variety of practical applications, particularly in decision-making.
Introduction
The term ‘cognitive’ takes us back in time to the heart of the Latin language, where ‘cognitivus’ already evoked the wealth of knowledge. Philosophers and psychologists have examined this concept, seeking to shed light on the mysteries of how information is acquired and used, including in the field of languages, particularly Latin, and the meaning they convey.
Cognition, like an inexhaustible river, feeds our memory, our language, our reasoning - it is the manifestation of our intelligence and our capacity to learn.
Definition of cognitive
The definition of cognitive has its origins in the Latin roots of the word ‘cognitivus’, the bearer of knowledge. In both philosophy and psychology, this adjective stands as a pillar of the cognitive sciences, encompassing:
- memory
- language
- thought
- and much more besides.
Thanks to these cognitive functions, our brain orchestrates a complex symphony of mental processes, enabling us to decipher and interact with our environment.
Cognitive functions
Cognitive science and cognitive psychology reveal a range of functions that are the brain's innate talents. These capacities, such as memory, language and perception, give us the ability to interact with our world and acquire new knowledge. Understanding each individual function gives us a deeper understanding of cognitive processes.
But they also enable us to concentrate, solve problems and even understand others, creating the richness of our social interactions.
Cognitive disorders
However, these mental functions can be disrupted, leading to cognitive disorders with significant repercussions on patients' lives. Ageing, neurodegenerative diseases and head injuries are all factors that can alter a person's precious abilities.
Conditions such as dementia and delirium illustrate the fragility of our mental functioning, and the need to protect and maintain our brains.
Cognitive memory
At the heart of our cognitive functions, cognitive memory plays a key role. It comprises three essential stages: encoding, storage and retrieval. Each of these stages requires specific techniques to optimise memory performance.
Organising our thoughts, visualising concepts and practising regularly are all ways of sharpening this crucial capacity.
Cognitive science
Cognitive science is a fascinating multidisciplinary field, at the intersection of psychology, neuroscience and even artificial intelligence. Born in the United States in the 1950s, its aim is to decipher the mechanisms of human thought.
In France, institutions such as the Institut Marc Jeannerod are dedicated to advancing the cognitive sciences, demonstrating their central role in understanding how our minds work.
Social cognition
Social cognition focuses on our ability to understand and interact with others. This area of social psychology helps us to decipher how we interpret the behaviour and emotions of others, as well as our environment.
Categorisation processes, for example, are an integral part of this ability to simplify and predict social interactions.
Practical applications of cognitive knowledge
Knowledge of our mental functions extends far beyond the research laboratory. It has practical applications in decision-making, where the analysis of options and consequences is based on our past experiences. The decision-making process often calls on heuristics when it needs to be quick and efficient.
Neuroimaging techniques, such as those used in the Iowa Gambling Task, illustrate how this knowledge can be measured and applied.
To sum up
At the end of this exploration, it is clear that cognition is both rich and complex, impacting every facet of our existence. From the way our memory works to our ability to make informed decisions, each element of cognitive function plays an essential role in our everyday lives.
Frequently asked questions
What exactly does the term ‘cognitive’ mean?
The term ‘cognitive’ refers to the mental processes associated with the knowledge function, such as memory, reasoning and learning. It comes from the Latin ‘cognitivus’, which means ‘relating to knowledge’.
How does cognitive memory work?
Cognitive memory works by encoding information, storing it and retrieving it when needed, which takes place in three main stages.
What are the main disciplines involved in cognitive science?
The main disciplines included in cognitive science are cognitive psychology, neuroscience, artificial intelligence, computational linguistics and the philosophy of cognition. These fields converge to study human cognition as a whole.
What is social cognition and why is it important?
Social cognition is essential for understanding others and interacting effectively in social situations, as it enables us to grasp other people's emotions and interpret the social environment.
What impact do cognitive disorders have on daily life?
Cognitive disorders can have a serious impact on daily life, leading to difficulties in concentrating, decision-making and a loss of independence, which can affect the ability to lead a normal life.
