Extramental vs. Mental — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 15, 2024
Extramental refers to external reality independent of mental perception, while mental pertains to processes and phenomena within the mind.
Difference Between Extramental and Mental
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Extramental aspects concern objects and events existing outside of any individual's mind, focusing on objective existence. Mental, on the other hand, involves subjective experiences such as thoughts, feelings, and perceptions.
Extramental phenomena are measurable and can be observed consistently by different observers, whereas mental phenomena are inherently private and known directly only to the individual experiencing them.
In the realm of philosophy, extramental entities are often discussed in the context of realism, which asserts that objects exist independently of perception. Mental entities, in contrast, are central to discussions of phenomena like consciousness and cognition.
From a scientific perspective, extramental features can often be quantified and studied empirically. Mental features, however, are studied through psychological tests and introspection, presenting challenges in measurement and verification.
In everyday understanding, extramental is used to describe the physical world as it is, not influenced by personal feelings or interpretations. Mental typically refers to processes that influence how reality is perceived and understood by an individual.
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Comparison Chart
Nature
Objective, independent of the mind
Subjective, dependent on the mind
Measurement
Can be observed and measured externally
Measured through introspective methods
Relevance in Science
Studied in fields like physics and biology
Central to psychology and psychiatry
Philosophical Context
Often linked with discussions on realism
Related to consciousness, cognition
Example
A tree existing in a forest
Dreaming of a tree
Compare with Definitions
Extramental
Independent of thoughts or feelings.
Gravity is an extramental force that acts regardless of human perception.
Mental
Pertaining to processes within the mind, such as thoughts, feelings, and perceptions.
Mental rehearsal can improve performance in sports.
Extramental
Relating to the external world as opposed to internal mental processes.
Scientists study extramental events to gain objective knowledge.
Mental
Involving intellectual or cognitive functions.
Solving puzzles is a good exercise for mental agility.
Extramental
Pertaining to objects or phenomena outside the mind.
The extramental reality of the mountains is unaffected by our beliefs about them.
Mental
Subjective and not observable by others directly.
Each person's mental image of a hero is different.
Extramental
Not influenced by personal interpretations or biases.
Laws of physics are extramental and apply universally.
Mental
Relating to the mind
Mental faculties
Mental phenomena
Extramental
External and observable by multiple observers.
The temperature is an extramental condition that can be scientifically measured.
Mental
Relating to disorders of the mind
A mental hospital
Extramental
Outside of the mind or intellect.
Mental
Of or relating to the mind
Mental powers.
Mental health.
Mental
Executed or performed by the mind; existing in the mind
Mental calculation.
A mental image.
Mental
(Slang) Emotionally upset; crazed
Got mental when he saw the dent in his new car.
Mental
Offensive Slang Having a mental illness or intellectual disability.
Mental
Often Offensive Relating to or being a place for housing or treating people with mental illness or intellectual disability
A mental ward.
Mental
Of or relating to the chin.
Mental
(relational) Of or relating to the mind or specifically the total emotional and intellectual response of an individual to external reality.
Mental
Of or relating to intellectual as contrasted with emotional activity.
Mental acuity
Mental
Of, relating to, or being intellectual as contrasted with overt physical activity.
Mental
Occurring or experienced in the mind.
Mental
Relating to the mind, its activity, or its products as an object of study.
Mental science
Mental
Relating to spirit or idea as opposed to matter.
The distinction between physical things and mental ideas
Mental
Of, relating to, or affected by a psychiatric disorder.
A mental patient
Mental
(relational) Intended for the care or treatment of persons affected by psychiatric disorders.
Mental hospitals
Mental
Mentally disordered; insane, mad, crazy.
He is the most mental freshman I've seen yet.
He went mental on us.
Mental
Enjoyable or fun, especially in a frenetic way.
That was a mental party last night.
Mental
Of or relating to telepathic or mind-reading powers.
Mental telepathy
Mental
Of or relating to the chin or median part of the lower jaw, genial.
The mental nerve, the mental region
Mental
Of or relating to the chinlike or liplike structure.
Mental
(zootomy) A plate or scale covering the mentum or chin of a fish or reptile.
Mental
Of or pertaining to the chin; genian; as, the mental nerve; the mental region.
Mental
Of or pertaining to the mind; intellectual; as, mental faculties; mental operations, conditions, or exercise.
What a mental powerThis eye shoots forth!
Mental
A plate or scale covering the mentum or chin of a fish or reptile.
Mental
Involving the mind or an intellectual process;
Mental images of happy times
Mental calculations
In a terrible mental state
Mental suffering
Free from mental defects
Mental
Of or relating to the mind;
Mental powers
Mental development
Mental hygiene
Mental
Of or relating to the chin- or lip-like structure in insects and certain mollusks
Mental
Of or relating to the chin or median part of the lower jaw
Mental
Affected by a disorder of the mind;
A mental patient
Mental illness
Mental
Relating to psychological rather than physical aspects.
Mental well-being is as important as physical health.
Mental
Influencing one's perception of reality.
Stress can affect one’s mental interpretation of social interactions.
Common Curiosities
What does extramental mean?
It refers to anything that exists independently of any mind.
How does the mental relate to psychology?
It encompasses all processes of the mind, central to the study of psychology.
Can extramental objects be measured?
Yes, they can be measured objectively by various scientific methods.
Are mental phenomena observable?
They are not directly observable by others and are known primarily through individual introspection.
How do philosophers view extramental and mental entities?
Philosophers often debate their existence and how they interact or influence each other.
What is a common mental phenomenon?
Experiencing emotions such as happiness or sadness.
How are extramental factors quantified?
Through physical measurements and external observations.
How do extramental and mental differ in scientific study?
Extramental aspects are studied through empirical research, while mental aspects are often explored through qualitative methods.
Can mental processes impact the extramental world?
Yes, through actions driven by mental decisions impacting the physical world.
What role do mental states play in personal experience?
They shape how individuals perceive and react to the external world.
What is an example of an extramental phenomenon?
A rock existing in nature, irrespective of human perception.
Is there a link between mental health and extramental factors?
Yes, environmental (extramental) factors can significantly impact mental health.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
