Res Ipsa wrote:I learned that there is a region of the brain that constructs stories to explain inputs from the senses. There is a second region that filters those stories to select those that are the most consistent with each other and with past memories, etc. If the latter are is damaged, the person will consistently confabulate — express false explanations for what is happening around him while absolutely believing they are true.
Kathryn Schulz, Being Wrong — Adventures in the Margin of Error
I wish this book had been around when I left Mormonism. I had a tough time dealing with the fact that I had been so wrong about something so important in my life.
Assuming I am reading and understanding this correctly. Questions:
1. When you say that the brain constructs stories are you talking about schema?
2. Were the terms schema or schemata used in the book?
3. Did the book discuss the process of accommodation and assimilation? Because that sounds like what you're describing.
4. What examples can you give me that demonstrate how the brain constructs stories from sensory input? That's the part I'm not quite understanding.
I'm trying to find a way to relate to and understand what you are describing. It may be what I'm already familiar with only stated differently.
Just on a cold read here, I would say that your let's call it deconstruction of Mormonism, had something to do with accomodation and assimilation and that you may have been naturally resistant to accomodating new information regarding the religion. I think that any adult would be resistant to such a process concerning their personally held beliefs particularly those that impact their view of eternity and their presumed eternal destination.
Suddenly, the perception of the world and the role of eternity is turned on it's head. Anyone would be resistant to that.
ETA: Can we do a thread on this? I'll set one up later in the day if you are agreeable.