An object of the mind is an object which exists in the imagination, but which, in the real world, can only be represented or modeled. Some such objects are mathematical abstractions, literary concepts, or fictional scenarios.
Closely related are intentional objects, which are what thoughts and feelings are about, even if they are not about anything real (such as thoughts about unicorns, or feeling of apprehension about a dental appointment which is subsequently cancelled). However, intentional objects can coincide with real objects (as in thoughts about horses, or a feeling of regret about a missed appointment).
Read more about Object Of The Mind: Mathematical Objects, Logical Sequences, Philosophy of Mind, Invented Sources, Convenient Fictions, Science, Self-reference, Nonexistent Objects
Famous quotes containing the words object and/or mind:
“Along with the lazy man ... the dying man is the immoral man: the former, a subject that does not work; the latter, an object that no longer even makes itself available to be worked on by others.”
—Michel de Certeau (1925–1986)
“The mind scolds the heart, which makes excuses and goes its own way.”
—Mason Cooley (b. 1927)