Cognitive Science > Philosophy of Mind > Key players >
Mihály Csíkszentmihályi
Definition:
Mihály Csíkszentmihályi is a prominent Hungarian-American psychologist known for his work on the concept of "flow," which refers to a state of optimal experience characterized by intense focus, deep immersion, and a sense of energized concentration. Csíkszentmihályi's research explores how individuals can achieve a state of flow in various activities, leading to enhanced well-being and satisfaction.
The Flow Experience: Mihály Csíkszentmihályi
Mihály Csíkszentmihályi, a renowned Hungarian psychologist, has made significant contributions to the fields of cognitive science and philosophy of mind. He is best known for his concept of "flow," a state of complete absorption and concentration in an activity, resulting in a deep sense of satisfaction and fulfillment.
The Flow Experience
In his groundbreaking work, Csíkszentmihályi described flow as a mental state where individuals are fully immersed in what they are doing, feeling energized, focused, and fully involved. This concept has had a profound impact on various disciplines, including psychology, neuroscience, and education.
Key Ideas: Csíkszentmihályi suggested that flow occurs when there is a balance between the challenges of an activity and the skills of the individual performing it. When the challenge is too great, it can lead to anxiety; when the challenge is too low, it can result in boredom. Flow is characterized by a sense of timelessness, effortless action, and a merging of action and awareness.
If you want to learn more about this subject, we recommend these books.
You may also be interested in the following topics: