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Last week's discussion introduced us to "Spaghetti Bowl Model" and prior to this class, I haven't ever thought of the nervous system as a network of input-output boxes. How much is being simplified in this network? By claiming that the brain consists of a box that receives stimuli and generates responses, what are we losing? What about that other "scientific stuff"?

In that sense, what even constitutes a stimulus? A biological/chemical internal change? An external change? Something physical, emotional, etc? What is mental stimulation? What happens when we learn? Is the acquisition of knowledge a stimulus?  Does that mean standardized testing/aptitude tests and writing papers are our generated responses?

For me, the issue here is the simplicity of the system.  I do see the convenience and value of such a system, but at the same time, I feel as though, it is too simple and that it undermines the complexity of what our brains can actually do – what we can do, as humans or organisms or whatever.  Life may be a series of stimuli and response, but I believe it has to coexist and blend into a cultural and social setting.