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 the, object of, object and/or mind:
“We can say that the sound is the primary object of the act of hearing, and that the act of hearing itself is the secondary object.”
—Franz Clemens Brentano (1838–1917)
“I often used to think myself in the case of the fox-hunter, who, when he had toiled and sweated all day in the chase as if some unheard-of blessing was to crown his success, finds at last all he has got by his labor is a stinking nauseous animal. But my condition was yet worse than his; for he leaves the loathsome wretch to be torn by his hounds, whilst I was obliged to fondle mine, and meanly pretend him to be the object of my love.”
—Sarah Fielding (1710–1768)
“I wish you would not let him plunge into a ôvortex of
Dissipation.ö I do not object to the Thing, but I cannot bear the
expression; it is such thorough novel slang—and so old, that I
dare say Adam met with it in the first novel he opened.”
—Jane Austen (1775–1817)
“It is the nature of the artist to mind excessively what is said about him. Literature is strewn with the wreckage of men who have minded beyond reason the opinions of others.”
—Virginia Woolf (1882–1941)