OH BRASS TACKS HERE. Whenever I see several synonymous phrases, I know they’re a little different in important nuances:
“what are the similarities and differences between “neural representation” vs image vs “mental representation”
The terms “neural representation,” “image,” and “mental representation” are all used to refer to the way that the brain encodes and processes information about the world. However, there are some differences between these terms in terms of their precise definitions and how they are used in different contexts.
A “neural representation” is a term that is used in neuroscience to refer to the way that the brain encodes and processes information at the level of individual neurons and neural circuits. In this context, a neural representation is a pattern of activity in the brain that encodes information about some aspect of the world, such as a visual image or a motor action.
An “image” is a term that is used more broadly to refer to a mental representation of something that is being perceived or remembered. In this context, an image is the mental representation that is created when the brain processes sensory information from the environment or retrieves information from memory.
A “mental representation” is a term that is used in philosophy and psychology to refer to the way that the mind encodes and processes information about the world. In this context, a mental representation is a mental construct or concept that is used by the mind to make sense of the world and to guide our actions and perceptions.
Overall, the terms “neural representation,” “image,” and “mental representation” all refer to the way that the brain and mind encode and process information about the world, but they have slightly different definitions and connotations depending on the context in which they are used.”