I am going to describe two forms of cognition, associative and linear cognition. I will define each below:
Linear cognition is based on logic, meaning it is composed of propositions and arguments. Within linear cognition things either follow from other things or they do not follow. This form of cognition must be mastered within disciplines of logic and philosophy.
Associative cognition is the association of categories, it is composed of relationships to categories. Things are like or unlike other things and these similarities and dissimilarities are significant. Things are how they can be described. It is a descriptive form of thought.
Let’s see these two forms of thought in action,
Question: Is dirt disgusting?
Associative: Yes, dirt is disgusting, it’s walked on, it looks like waste
Linear: Yes, dirt is disgusting because it’s filled with bacteria and parasites that can get you sick and make you feel disgusting and do disgusting things to your body.
Linear: No, dirt is not disgusting, dirt is just decomposed non-disgusting things and it is necessary for things we find aesthetically pleasing as well as necessary for life.
Dirt is not disgusting because it is decomposed, a disintegration of things that are not disgusting – but the decomposition, the process of transforming those things is disgusting because it stinks, it involves sensory experiences that we find repulsive, it is disgusting to us but it is not in itself disgusting.
Associative to us
Linear onto itself
