Meaning: This quote by Ernst Mach, a prominent physicist and philosopher of science, delves into the relationship between mental representation and physical execution of movement. In this quote, Mach highlights the distinction between the mental act of willing to perform a movement and the actual physical execution of that movement.

Mach's quote implies that when we will or intend to execute a movement, such as lifting a hand or taking a step, it exists as a represented movement in our mind. This mental representation of the movement occurs in a different domain from the physical execution of the movement. In other words, the act of willing or intending to move is a separate mental process from the physical act of carrying out the movement.

Mach's assertion that the represented movement appears in a different domain from the executed movement suggests a separation between the mental and physical aspects of movement. It underscores the idea that the mental representation of a movement, while related to the physical action, exists in a distinct cognitive domain.

Furthermore, Mach's statement that the executed movement takes place when the image is vivid enough implies that the mental representation of a movement must reach a certain level of clarity or intensity in order for the physical execution of the movement to occur. This notion aligns with the idea that the vividness or clarity of mental imagery can influence the likelihood of translating mental representations into physical actions.

Ernst Mach's work contributed significantly to the fields of physics, psychology, and philosophy of science. His ideas on the nature of perception, cognition, and the relationship between mind and body have had a lasting impact on various disciplines.

In the context of psychology and cognitive science, Mach's quote can be linked to research on motor imagery and action representation. Motor imagery involves mentally simulating or rehearsing a movement without physically performing it. Studies have shown that engaging in motor imagery can influence subsequent motor performance, and the vividness of the imagined movement can impact its execution. This aligns with Mach's assertion that the executed movement takes place when the mental image is vivid enough.

From a philosophical perspective, Mach's quote touches on the mind-body problem and the nature of mental representation. The distinction he draws between the represented movement and the executed movement raises questions about the relationship between mental states and physical actions. It prompts inquiry into how mental representations relate to the physical world and how the mind influences bodily movements.

In summary, Ernst Mach's quote encapsulates the complex interplay between mental representation and physical execution of movement. It underscores the distinction between the mental act of willing to perform a movement and the actual physical act of carrying out that movement. Mach's insights continue to stimulate discussions and research across scientific, psychological, and philosophical domains, shedding light on the intricate connections between the mind and the body.