Comment by throwaway1004

I don't think you're on the right track.

When someone says to me "Can you pass me my tea?", my mind instantly builds a simulated model of the past, present, and future which takes a massive amount of information, going far beyond merely understanding the syntax and intent of the request:

>I am aware of the steaming mug on the table

>I instantly calculate that yes, in fact, I am capable of passing it

>I understand that it is an implied request

>I run a threat assessment

>I am running simulated fluid mechanics to predict the correct speed and momentum to use to avoid harm, visualising several failure conditions I want to avoid (if I'm focused and present)

>I am aware of the consequences of boiling water on skin (I am particularly averse to this because of an early childhood experience, an advantage in my career as a line cook)

>my hands are shaky so I decide to stabilise with my other hand, but I'll have to use the leathery tips of my guitar-playing left hand only, and not for too long, otherwise I'll be scalded

>(enumerable other simulated, predictive processes running in parallel, in the blink of an eye)

"Of course, my pleasure. Would you like milk?"