How does thi relate to Dewey's view of the reflex arc?
Physiological Perspective - Reflex Arc
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How does thi relate to Dewey's view of the reflex arc?
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This relates to the reflex arc in the sense that it shows you that a reflex movement has more than one component. The reflex arc actually has 3 main components to it. The stimulus producing a sensation, then the mind creating a idea or concept based upon that sensation and then the actual motor movement of the organ. In this case the stimulus producing element is the candle. It produces a sensation on on the hand which travels to the mind. The mind creates an idea about this stimulus and what the sensation means. Once and idea is created then that is sent to the organ which creates a motor movement based on that idea. In this case the hand moves away from the candle and the flame.
Dewey actually explained this same demonstration in the book. I agree with everything Jackie said about the 3 components and how there's a stimulus involved, therefore creating an idea in our minds, and our reaction to the stimulus. I find the reflex arc to be quite interesting because it would be very hard to describe to someone the exact feeling of sensation the stimulus has created in our minds. Of course the flame would be "hot" but the feeling is a completely different sensation. I have been burnt before and it's difficult to explain the feeling.
This relates to Dewey in a couple of ways. First Dewey felt that a reflexive arc is an continuous loop. The three parts of the arc, which are the sensory stimulus, the central connections and the motor response. These are divisions of labor that function within a whole.
This being said, he also said that the experience happens at the same time the arc is activated. This relates to what was said in the clip when it talks about the hand jerking back at the same time the brain is processing that something painful just happened.