Significance of Cognition
Cognition, broadly defined as the mental action or process of acquiring knowledge and understanding, appears across diverse fields. In Jainism, it's tied to knowledge acquisition and awareness. Tibetan Buddhism emphasizes understanding through thought and senses. Disciplines like Yoga, Ayurveda, and Vyakarana view it as a mental process, while Vedanta links it to self-knowledge. Health sciences and science explore its connection to brain function and overall well-being, whereas religion and Dharmashastra explore it's connection to understanding and perception.
Synonyms: Perception, Awareness, Consciousness, Understanding, Reasoning, Mental process, Intelligence, Insight, Comprehension, Intellect, Mind
In French: Cognition; In Dutch: Cognitie; In Finnish: Kognitio; In Spanish: Cognición; In German: Erkenntnis; In Malay: Kognisi; In Swedish: Kognition; In Polish: Poznawanie; In Portugese: Cognição; In Italian: Cognizione
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Cognition'
In Buddhism, cognition encompasses acquiring knowledge through thought, experience, and senses, leading to understanding and spiritual insights. It involves perception, inference, and awareness, though its accuracy can be uncertain.
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) The mental process of knowing or understanding, which can be uncertain when attempting to ascertain someone's state based only on the lack of visibility.[1] (2) The text discusses cognitions as a way to understand and perceive the world, with examples like ‘the man with the stick’ being based upon adjuncts in the shape of substance.[2] (3) Cognition, whether valid or invalid, operates upon its object by itself, but the falsity of invalid cognition requires another means of cognition for apprehension.[3] (4) A 'cognition' refers to the mental process of acquiring knowledge and understanding through thought, experience, and the senses, which is essential for both perception and inference.[4] (5) It refers to the process of gaining knowledge, and a valid one does not require corroboration from other forms of understanding, suggesting that all valid forms are self-sufficient.[5]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Cognition (jnana) refers to the process of understanding and attaining knowledge, especially in the context of spiritual insights.[6] (2) The process through which different constituents of existence are distinguished; however, separated, matter does not exist.[7] (3) The mental process of knowing, understanding, and recognizing, which is referred to in a limited capacity for attributes apart from the Buddha.[8]
From: Abhidharmakośa
(1) The mental process involving perception and understanding, which manifests in various forms including sensory awareness.[9]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) The mental process of understanding and reflecting upon the nature of the elements discussed.[10]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) A mental process related to understanding and perceiving, foundational in the context of the verse.[11]
From: Hualin International Journal of Buddhist Studies
(1) It is the topic in the ‘Chapter of the Exposition of the Cognitions’ ( Jnananirdesha ; ‘Fenbie zhi pin’ 分別智 品 ).[12]
Hindu concept of 'Cognition'
In Hinduism, cognition is the mental process of acquiring knowledge through various means like senses, experience, and interpretation. It aims to understand reality, but can be clouded by ignorance or influenced by internal factors, ultimately seeking knowledge of the Self (Atman).
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) Cognition, specifically an integral cognition, is understood by means of an integral cognition by the mind, and not through the meaning of individual words.[13] (2) It is described as not being determined by another instance of itself, similar to light, and its form is not shaped by external factors.[14] (3) Mere cognition alone is insufficient to confirm the existence of an object, as illustrated by mistaking a mirage for water based on initial perception.[15] (4) Cognition of the word depends on the cognition of the manifesting elements, causing the properties of the latter to be attributed to the former.[16] (5) According to the text, cognitions are intertwined with words and are essentially of the nature of the word, as we identify objects with their words, which impacts the nature of cognitions in the context of understanding the world.[17]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) Cognition, whether of a universal or a particular, arises through the modification of the internal organ, and the attainment of the Supreme involves sublating the cognition of the universal.[18] (2) The process of understanding, like grasping the wordsense of 'lily', is achieved when we recognize what the word denotes and its connection to reality.[19] (3) The process of acquiring knowledge or awareness, which is revealed by the Witness-consciousness.[20] (4) The resulting perceptions or understandings derived from the mental modes, which are cast in the light of immutable knowledge.[21]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) Cognitions must be inherent in a cognising subject and must refer to objects, which means that knowledge and awareness are always linked to a perceiver and something perceived.[22] (2) According to the text, Vedic texts declare that final release results from the cognition of a qualified Brahman because Brahman is characterized by difference.[23] (3) The process of apprehending objects, differentiated by generic character, which allows for distinction and prevents indistinguishable states.[24] (4) The process of understanding or gaining knowledge, which may be clouded by Nescience.[25]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) The cognitions are the mental processes or understandings of Brahman, which are examined to determine if they are separate or constitute a single cognition based on the interpretations of the Vedanta-texts.[26] (2) The mental process of acquiring knowledge and understanding, which is hindered by limiting adjuncts.[27] (3) The mental process of acquiring knowledge and understanding, referenced in relation to the individual soul's existence and the concept of the person consisting of cognition.[28] (4) The aspect of knowledge or understanding that is inherent to the highest Self, distinguishing it from the ignorance of the embodied soul.[29]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The mental process of acquiring knowledge and understanding through experience.[30] (2) The process of perceiving or knowing, which the mind is free from when it attains knowledge of Atman.[31]
From: Mandukya Upanishad
(1) It is the state of being with that is due to some cause, otherwise there would be no prajnpti and no cognition of the dravya.[32] (2) The process of understanding or knowing something is characterized by a state of being, which arises from a specific cause, and is imagined based on the observation of that cause, supported by logical reasoning.[33]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The process of perceiving or understanding, highlighting the distinction between the cognizer and the cognized.[34]
From: Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences
(1) It is the process which can be functionally correlated with Manobuddhi, composed of intellectual functions like memory, speech, language, complex perception, orientation, attention, judgement etc.[35] (2) This is a mental process that can be improved through Rasayana therapy, and it is an important aspect of the treatment for cerebral atrophy.[36]
From: International Research Journal of Ayurveda and Yoga
(1) A mental process that Swarnaprashan is believed to enhance, as proven by the present systematic review on the role of Swarnaprashana.[37] (2) It is a key function influenced by brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and can be improved through meditation.[38]
From: Journal of Ayurvedic and Herbal Medicine
(1) Refers to the mental process of acquiring knowledge through thought, experience, and the senses, particularly in the context of inference.[39]
From: Padarthadharmasamgraha and Nyayakandali
(1) Cognition, the act of knowing or perceiving, is an action that inheres in something, and that something is the Self, which is cognized by means of consciousness, and it cannot belong to the Body, the Sense-organ or the Mind, and must be the effect of some cause.[40] (2) The process of knowing or perceiving, particularly in relation to the beingness of a thing independent of any counter-entity.[41] (3) The process of acquiring knowledge and understanding through thought, experience, and the senses, central to discussions of perception and knowledge.[42] (4) The mental action of acquiring knowledge and understanding through thought, experience, and the senses, which may sometimes result in uncertainty when conflicting properties are recognized.[43]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) The act or process of knowing, which can be categorized as unreal or real.[44]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja’s Rajamartanda)
(1) A cognition is a mental process or act of knowing, which can perceive another cognition, and this process could lead to an excess of cognitions, creating an infinite chain that would make it impossible to perceive anything within a lifetime.[45]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The mental act of understanding, which can become contaminated by non-existent perceptions or misconceptions.[46]
From: Laghu-yoga-vasistha
(1) The process of acquiring understanding and awareness through spiritual experience.[47]
Jain concept of 'Cognition'
In Jainism, Cognition encompasses mental processes for knowledge acquisition, inherent awareness linking all life forms, and is a transformative ability found in mobile beings.
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) Cognition is assisted by the mind, allowing the senses to function and facilitating the acquisition of knowledge, particularly scriptural knowledge, within their provinces.[48] (2) All varieties of this are possible in the beings called trasa.[49] (3) The ability or mark common to all souls, indicating the essence of awareness that links all forms of existence.[50]
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) This represents the mental processes involved in acquiring knowledge and understanding. The text suggests that cognition plays a role in transformation.[51]
The concept of Cognition in scientific sources
Cognition encompasses mental processes like thinking, learning, memory, and problem-solving. It's influenced by factors like emotions, can be affected by various conditions, and may be improved through interventions.
From: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (MDPI)
(1) Cognition is identified as a major domain of rhythmic auditory stimulation research, reflecting the interest in understanding the cognitive aspects of this therapeutic technique.[52] (2) Cognition is related to attention, exercise, cognitive functions, and sedentary behavior, and all of those keywords are related to the impact of physical activity on cognitive performance.[53] (3) It is identified as being connected to physical activity and brain outcomes, according to a review of guidelines.[54] (4) Cognition, specifically cognitive decline, is associated with quantitative gait dysfunction, and it is also affected by apathy and inflammation.[55] (5) Cognition is an important aspect of health in older adults, and the review explores the potential effects of nut consumption on cognitive function and the prevention of cognitive decline.[56]
From: Sustainability Journal (MDPI)
(1) Refers to the mental action or process of acquiring knowledge and understanding through thought, experience, and the senses, and is a key aspect of affective domains.[57] (2) "Cognition" is related to reaction time and can be improved through integrating motor activity and cognitive tasks, as well as through embodied cognition, where brain development occurs due to the execution of actions.[58] (3) It is the mental processes involved in knowing, understanding, and learning, and it can be influenced by strength and endurance training.[59] (4) It relates to the ethnocentrism of those who perceive the world through ethnic groups and considers a favorable perception of domestic products.[60] (5) Cognition is referenced alongside affect in managerial decision-making, cognitive failures, and the relationship between knowledge and emotion, underlining its role in psychological processes.[61]
From: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
(1) This is a broad term referring to mental processes like awareness, perception, reasoning, and judgment, which are assessed in patients with traumatic brain injury.[62] (2) This refers to the mental processes involved in thinking, understanding, and learning, which are influenced by factors like emotions.[63] (3) Cognitions, like creativity or abstract thinking, represent functions of the brain that require a high degree of freedom and are not fully explained by conventional models.[64] (4) This is a function of the brain where the quantum field is perceived as more influential compared to the electromagnetic field.[65] (5) The mental action or process of acquiring knowledge and understanding through thought, experience, and the senses.[66]
From: South African Journal of Physiotherapy
(1) This is a mental process, and the text mentions that anecdotal evidence supports that hyperbaric oxygen may have positive effects on this.[67] (2) This refers to mental processes such as thinking, memory, and problem-solving, which can be affected by stroke and impact a person's ability to function in daily life.[68] (3) Cognition can be improved through physical activity, and interventions have shown positive clinical outcomes in cognition, physical functioning, and participation.[69] (4) This is one of the domains of the WHODAS 2 questionnaire.[70]
From: Asian Journal of Pharmaceutics
(1) Hence, no effect on alpha and gamma bands indicated that CBZ is not having any effect on this.[71] (2) Medicinal substances called bacosides in Brahmi improve memory, treat associated conditions, and boost nerve impulse transmission efficiency.[72] (3) A process related to memory and learning capabilities, assessed through behavioral tests.[73]
From: South African Family Practice
(1) This refers to the mental processes involved in thinking and understanding, and the author's cognitive function returned to normal after treatment.[74]
From: International Journal of Pharmacology
(1) The understanding and awareness of biological processes, such as the evolving understanding of the JAK-STAT signaling pathway.[75]
From: Religions Journal (MDPI)
(1) If a split in representations is to be made on the basis of Old Norse culture, it would not follow that set out by Barrett and Keil, of anthropomorphic / automatic representations on one side and non-anthropomorphic / reflective ones on the other.[76] (2) Clear cognition is always also “deep insight” because the soul is deep in man, suggesting a profound connection between understanding and the self.[77] (3) In this document, it refers to people's understanding of life, the influence of AI and GAI, and how information is understood and processed.[78] (4) It arises and perishes moment by moment during meditative practice, with each moment causing the cognition in the succeeding moment.[79] (5) The depths of meaning of the reality that is being expressed are inaccessible by this.[80]
From: International Journal of Pharmacology
(1) Mental processes involving thinking and learning, which can be affected by antibiotic-induced changes in the gut-brain axis.[81] (2) The mental faculties of perception, thinking, learning, reasoning, and remembering, which collectively enable an organism to process information.[82]