To someone who would argue that the mind is not mechanically similar to an operating machine, I would point them to the new A.I. robots that are increasing in popularity. If we can replicate the processes that the human mind goes through, then it may follow that the inner mechanisms of the mind itself resemble that of a machine. We see robots on the news that can answer commands, speak words, and perform tasks that we never thought they would be able to do. Taking a closer look at the inside of the mind can enlighten us about these shocking similarities.

The brain is comprised of neurons that form long chains in order to transmit information to the entire body wherever it is needed. It is helpful to think of the neurons in the brain as track-ways of information that get stronger and stronger when they are being exercised. It is easy to understand this concept when thinking about addiction; as unfortunate as it is, addiction can teach us a lot about the way that brains work. When an addiction is fed, the neural pathways that support this addiction get stronger until they take over the individuals personality; addiction has the power to drag people into dark places of their life. In some ways, the addiction is literally living inside the person in the form of neural pathways that crave the source of the addiction.

The fuel of the mind’s machine is electricity. Electric impulses are the means by which information is transmitted throughout the body (this is combined with the release of chemicals to decode what each impulse means). When there is a “cog” malfunctioning in the mind, it is likely to show signs of harm somewhere else in the body. If the engine of a car is not working properly, the wheels won’t turn the right way. Similarly, if an individual has a stroke in the right half of their brain, it is not uncommon that the left side of their body will have partial or complete paralysis. This is due to the crossing-over of information that occurs when information is sent to the brain; this is further evidence of the complete interconnection of neurons and nerves that make up the body.

There is a phenomenon known as phantom limb syndrome that can also provide us with evidence of the way that the mind is connected to the entirety of the body. In the unfortunate event that an individual loses a limb, a leg for example, there are many reports of pain being sensed in the “phantom” limb; that is, the individual can still feel very real and very uncomfortable pain in a part of their body that is no longer attached to their body. The brain is creating it’s own stimuli as a response to their being no input from that area of the body. This can leave people in extreme pain and discomfort. Further analysis of the way’s that the mind are connected to the rest of the body can potentially provide us with answers to issues such as this one.