BRAIN vs MIND : KNOW THE DIFFERENCE

Ask yourself, is the functioning of brain identical to the mind?

Personally, I have observed hundred of times most people think of the brain and the mind as being one and the same thing. They even use the words “brain” and “mind” interchangeably. 

Generally people talk " his mind is so sharp !! " that is not the case here ,what they really mean by that is 'his brain is so sharp' . People think of brain and mind as same but In reality, they are two separate and distinct things.

A computer required hardware to perform its function. And the hardware need software to make it run. Without software, hardware would be useless and without hardware, software can not be used. Brain is like the hardware and mind is like the software. But in reality, the differences between brain mind are more complicated than software and hardware. And when two of them collaborate they form a more complex term called "Consciousness" . Yes, you read it right. The brain and mind are both involved in consciousness.

We all know what our brain is, right? It is that three pounds of “convoluted mass of gray and white matter” in our heads “serving to control and coordinate mental and physical actions.”

OK.  Now, define the mind.

Not as easy, eh?

You may be surprised to find that there is no single, agreed upon definition of the mind.

Being a psychology student this topic has always been one of my favorite and today  I'm going to share my information and knowledge about the difference between 'brain' and 'mind'.

I don't want to sound like a professor that's why I'm keeping it simple and short.

BRAIN (in a nutshell)  

Much of the brain's physiological task involves receiving information from the rest of the body, interpreting that information, and then guiding the body's response to it. Types of input the brain interprets include odors, light, sounds, and pain. The brain also helps perform vital operations such as breathing, maintaining blood pressure, and releasing hormones (chemical signals that control certain cells and organs).

The brain is divided into sections. These sections include the cerebrum, the cerebellum, the diencephalon, and the brainstem.

  Let's not go any deeper in that,

Each of these parts is responsible for certain portions of the brain's overall job. The larger parts are, in turn, divided into smaller areas that handle smaller portions of the work. Different areas often share responsibility for the same task.

Clearly, brains are hot.,

MIND (in a nutshell)

The mind could be divided into three systems: the conscious mind, the subconscious mind, and the unconscious mind. The conscious mind or ego, the preconscious or subconscious , and the unconscious mind.Look here for more info.

Let’s now look at how the mind works. I suggest that there are three main functions: analysing, synthesizing and imagining, and valuing.

In the applied forms of effective thinking – decision making, problem solving, and creative or innovative thinking – all three of these functions are at work. It is their underlying health that largely determines the quality of your thought. 

The mind made humans capable to solve complex logical problem which differentiates us than other living beings. Logic makes us understand that things are not as what they seem. Our ability to analyze  situations makes it possible to develop solutions to problems and lead us toward practical solutions. We may not be able to see in the ultraviolet range, but we may design instruments to do so. We may not be able to see atoms, but we can design experiments that enable us to know their properties. Each stage of scientific advancement has usually been made by trying to reach a logical conclusion consistent with our observations. We no longer believe in demons as the cause of disease. We now believe in viruses, bacteria, genetic defects, and environmental pollution as the real causes of disease. Our irrational and unfounded "superstitions" have given way to "knowledge".

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BRAIN AND MIND

The "Brain" is A Physical Organ And it Processes 

• Metabolism-Despite weighing only about 3 pounds, the brain consumes as much as 20% of the oxygen and glucose taken in by the body. Nervous tissue in the brain has a very high metabolic rate due to the sheer number of decisions and processes taking place within the brain at any given time.
• Sensory-The brain receives information about the body’s condition and surroundings from all of the sensory receptors in the body. 
• Motor Control-Our brain directly controls almost all movement in the body. A region of the cerebral cortex known as the motor area sends signals to the skeletal muscles to produce all voluntary movements.
• Learning and Memory-The brain needs to store many different types of information that it receives from the senses and that it develops through thinking in the association areas. Information in the brain is stored in a few different ways depending on its source and how long it is needed. 
• Homeostasis-The brain acts as the body’s control center by maintaining the homeostasis of many diverse functions such as breathing, heart rate, body temperature, and hunger. The brainstem and the hypothalamus are the brain structures most concerned with homeostasis.
• Sleep-While sleep may seem to be a time of rest for the brain, this organ is actually extremely active during sleep.Reduction in the stimulation of the cerebral cortex leads to a sense of sleepiness and eventually leads to sleep.
• Reflexes-A reflex is a fast, involuntary reaction to a form of internal or external stimulus. Many reflexes in the body are integrated in the brain, including the pupillary light reflex, coughing, and sneezing. Many reflexes protect the body from harm. For instance, coughing and sneezing clear the airways of the lungs. Other reflexes help the body respond to stimuli, such as adjusting the pupils to bright or dim light. All reflexes happen quickly by bypassing the control centers of the cerebral cortex and integrating in the lower regions of the brain such as the midbrain or limbic system.

The "Mind" is A  More Philosophical Concept

• The mind observes and monitors the flow of energy and information across time while modifying it by giving it characteristics and patterns.
• The mind bereft of thoughts is an active mind. Mind is without dimensions. It is the result of electrical impulsions across the brain. Mind has no definite place within the body.
• Philosophers understand the mind altogether as a different concept. They call it different from the body. It cannot be the soul either. It is a separate entity. Mind cannot be touched and studied. This is so because it is not made of any material. You can see the brain, but you cannot see the mind.
• Mind is a conglomeration of thugohts, memories and the like. Mind can be active one day and can be dull on some other day. Mind is akin to a computer that receives information from various sources.If you say your mind is not good at the moment, then it only means that your thoughts are not good at the moment.
• The brain can also be altered to affect the mind either by mind-altering (note we call them mind-altering, though in fact they're brain-altering) drugs or more directly by anaesthetics which render you unconscious by inhibiting the action of anaesthetics by rendering you unconscious.
• Our mind is continually communicating three kind of things to us 1)what is going on in our life?; 2) feelings (positive or negative) about events; 3) things to pursue , where to put our energy.

IN SHORT

• Brain is made of physical matter whereas mind is not made of physical matter.

• Brain can be touched and studied, but mind cannot be touched and seen.

• Brain is a conglomeration of nerves, cells, blood vessels and the like. Mind is a conglomeration of thoughts, memories, emotions.

• Brain has a definite place within the body. It is placed in the most important part of the body, namely, the head. Mind has no definite place within the body. It is presumed to be residing within the brain.