The human brain's ability to think logically does not depend on language functions, neuroscientists have concluded, reports infohub.kz.
Researchers have found that logic and language are governed by independent brain systems. People with aphasia solve logical tasks as well as others, according to ScienceDaily.
Scientists at the McGovern Institute for Brain Research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) conducted the study, published in the journal PNAS. They established that the brain's language system is not directly involved in logical reasoning.
In experiments using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), participants performed tasks involving inductive and deductive reasoning, as well as solving complex geometric puzzles. The scans showed that brain regions responsible for language processing remained inactive during logical problem-solving.
Additionally, the trials included patients who had suffered strokes and had severe aphasia. Despite serious language impairments, they performed as well on logical tests as healthy controls.
Study author Evelina Fedorenko noted that the findings challenge the hypothesis that abstract thought is impossible without language structures, and open new avenues for patient rehabilitation.