mindoriginated

Mindoriginated is a term used in some cognitive science and philosophy discussions to describe thoughts, mental states, or processes that originate within the mind rather than being directly triggered by external stimuli. It is meant to capture internal generation of content such as ideation, planning, imagination, or spontaneous cognitive events.

Definition and scope. Mindoriginated refers to mental activities that arise from internal processes, including conscious deliberation, mental rehearsal, and internal simulations. It is distinguished from externally originated or stimulus-driven processes like sensory perception, reflexive responses, or externally prompted memories. The term is often used descriptively rather than as a formal technical category.

Etymology and usage. The expression is a neologism formed from the elements mind and originated. It does not have a standardized definition across disciplines and is not widely cataloged in major dictionaries. In scholarly writing, it may appear as a convenient label for internally generated content without implying a precise theoretical framework.

Contexts and examples. In debates about volition and free will, mindoriginated intentions or plans may be contrasted with those arising from external cues or automatic processes. In cognitive modeling, the concept can describe internal simulations that guide decision making. In psychology, it might be used informally to differentiate thoughts that arise without immediate sensory input from externally triggered memories or perceptions.

Criticism and alternatives. The lack of consensus on definition can cause ambiguity. Some researchers prefer terms such as endogenous cognition, internally generated thought, or spontaneous thought to convey similar ideas without coining a new label.

See also. Consciousness, Imagination, Introspection, Deliberation, Internal model, Endogenous cognition.