Zweierlei Denken: Ein Beitrag zur Physiologie des Denkens

by August Büttner

"Zweierlei Denken: Ein Beitrag zur Physiologie des Denkens" by August Büttner is a scientific publication that was presented at the assembly of German natural scientists and physicians in Salzburg around the early 20th century. The book meticulously explores the two distinct forms of thinking: presentational and conceptual thinking, situating this investigation within the framework of physiological psychology. Its primary focus is to analyze the processes and distinctions between these modes of thought, shedding light on their implications for understanding human cognition. In this treatise, Büttner presents a detailed examination of how these two forms of thinking operate and the physiological underpinnings behind them. He discusses how presentational thinking is closely tied to sensory experiences and reality, whereas conceptual thinking relies on language and abstraction, allowing for broader communication and speculation. He emphasizes the significance of the interaction between internal psychological processes and external stimuli in shaping thought. Büttner's work also critiques the prevailing philosophical notions of his time, such as dualism, by positing that all psychological phenomena stem fundamentally from physical processes. His discourse invites readers to reconsider the nature of thinking itself, establishing a compelling link between the mechanics of the brain and the complexities of human thought.