Mental Models

This is a nasty topic, but one that must be tackled now so that my later descriptions may make some sense.  This will be a basic overview of the concept of a Mental Models (there are better scientific terms, but this one is mine).

So, first off, what is a Mental Model?  Well, a mental model is any method of summarizing the capabilities of the mind into a easily understood framework.  The ability to create a mental model is one of humanity's highest power, since it allows us to evaluate our own mind!  Simple Models are include things you take for granted, like memory or imagination.  Both take a certain set of the mind's abilitity and give it a name.  You probably know, for example, that it is very hard to remember 100 things in the right order.  This is something you were taught, and it is part of a commonly believed Mental Model.

Now, the mental models I will be using are a bit more complex in that they attempt to be complete.  That is to say, they don't try to define just part of the mind, but rather ALL of the mind's abilities.  These models share some things, but often vary greatly.  I will use the model which I feel provides the best access to a problem, or makes it most understandable.  I will ensure I explain models previous to using them, and I will Name the mental model in use at the beginning of posts where I think it important.

This is another method of interacting with hypnosis, as different models will suggest different effects. It is also worthwhile to learn about new models so that their usefulness can be ascertained, and that useless models be pointed out as such.