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 of, object and/or mind:
“Mixed in one mighty torrent did appear,
Some flying from the thing they feared, and some
Seeking the object of another’s fear;”
—Percy Bysshe Shelley (1792–1822)
“Y’see it’s sort of a game with me. Its whole object is to prove that two plus two equals four. That seems to make sense, but you’d be surprised at the number of people who try to stretch it to five.”
—Dalton Trumbo (1905–1976)
“There is one mind common to all individual men. Every man is an inlet to the same and to all of the same.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)