<p>In computer programming, when a program analyzes itself, we call it "reflection" or "introspection".
Example:
A program has several features. When the program runs, it can analyze itself to determine what features it supports and present it in the user interface. The user could choose one of the features and instruct the program to run it.</p>

<p>Now, the question:
Is there an equivalent mechanism in the brain? I.e. how can the brain think/reflect about a behavior/capability without executing the behavior/capability? Is there a special "module" in the brain that is responsible for reflection and one responsible for execution? If yes, how does the brain decide which module to use in the specific context (thinking vs. acting)?</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-02-12T19:15:44.337Z
premotor cortex is for planning, motor cortex is for executing
honi
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-06-09T16:17:57.727Z
Are you asking how imagination affects performance on various tasks or are you just asking in general whether planning is associated with a single are in the brain?
Seanny123
<cognitive-modeling><brain-development>
Thinking about something vs. doing something
erdal.karaca
# Thinking about something vs. doing something

(Asked by: username_0 on 2016-02-11)

In computer programming, when a program analyzes itself, we call it "reflection" or "introspection".
Example:
A program has several features. When the program runs, it can analyze itself to determine what features it supports and present it in the user interface. The user could choose one of the features and instruct the program to run it.

Now, the question:
Is there an equivalent mechanism in the brain? I.e. how can the brain think/reflect about a behavior/capability without executing the behavior/capability? Is there a special "module" in the brain that is responsible for reflection and one responsible for execution? If yes, how does the brain decide which module to use in the specific context (thinking vs. acting)?

**Tags:** cognitive-modeling, brain-development

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: premotor cortex is for planning, motor cortex is for executing  
> **username_2**: Are you asking how imagination affects performance on various tasks or are you just asking in general whether planning is associated with a single are in the brain?  

---

## 0 answers

