Mental function
Mental functions and
cognitive processes are terms often used interchangeably (although not always correctly so, the term
cognitive tends to have specific implications - see
cognitive and
cognitivism) to mean such functions or processes as
perception,
introspection,
memory,
imagination,
conception,
belief,
reasoning,
volition, and
emotion--in other words, all the different things that we can do with our minds. A specific instance of engaging in a cognitive process is a
mental event. The event of perceiving City Hall is, of course, different from the entire process, or faculty, of perception--one's ability to perceive things. In other words, in instance of perceiving is different from the ability that makes it possible.
See also