Representational theory

Representational theory suggests that our mental states or thoughts about the world function through mental representations—internal symbols or models that stand for external objects, events, or concepts. Instead of directly experiencing reality, our mind processes these representations, which help us interpret, think about, and navigate the world. For example, a mental image of a tree is a representation that allows us to recognize and consider trees even when they're not immediately present. This theory emphasizes that cognition operates through internal stand-ins that mirror or encode aspects of external reality, enabling understanding and reasoning.