 The hexagon at the bottom depicts a cognitive mechanism C (it could be, say, the visual mechanism). When C is used (arrow on the left), it implements cognitive process P (say, seeing); when it is re-used (arrow on the right), it implements cognitive process P* (say, visualizing). P generates mental state M (say, a visual experience of a red tomato), while P* generates mental state M* (say, a visual image of a red tomato). These two mental states (M and M*) resemble one another. Given this: M* is a mental simulation of M; M* is a simulated mental state; and P* is a simulation  process.[3]