Executive Functions as Virtual Machines : A New Metaphor for a Neuropsychological Classic Concept.

MARINO, JULIÁN

International Journal of Research in Pharmacy and Biosciences

Syrawha

Lugar: Nueva Dehli; Año: 2015

2394-5885

In this article, Executive Functions (EFs) have been analyzed as a metaphor of brain activity. A new metaphor is proposed: EFs as activation of scenarios or virtual machines. This proposal will be sustained with explanations, and experimental data. The EFs concept transcends the information produced by classical cognitive capacities, such as attention and memory. By ?transcending? we ethymologicaly understand, something behind or above the scene, and into neurocognitive domain means that it is a superordinate entity. Then, that EFs are superordinate, implies they are on a different level , regarding the aforementioned cognitive abilities, but: how does this phenomenon occur? We present evidence to sustain that the EFs most appropriate metaphor is 'the generation of virtual machines'. Evidence and benefits of using this new EFs metaphor will be presented together with the richness of relationships generated by the cognitive activity illuminated by this metaphor: the closeness with the concepts of self emotional regulation, effortful control, temperament and personality will be cleared; as well as the cultural influence of the ?Executive? metaphor has been highlighted.