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A Mentat is a fictional type of human, presented in Frank Herbert's science fiction ''Dune'' universe. In an interstellar society that fears a resurgence of artificial intelligence and thus prohibits computers, Mentats are specially trained to mimic the cognitive and analytical ability of electronic computers. == Overview == In Herbert's fiction, the Butlerian Jihad results in the strict prohibition of all thinking machines, including computers, robots and artificial intelligence of any kind. This is a key influence on the nature of Herbert's fictional setting. The Mentat discipline is developed as a replacement for computerized calculation, just as the Bene Gesserit and the Spacing Guild take on functions previously performed by thinking machines. For thousands of years, society considers Mentats the embodiment of logic and reason. More than simply calculators, Mentats possess exceptional cognitive abilities of memory and perception that are the foundations for supra-logical hypothesizing. Mentats are able to sift large volumes of data and devise concise analyses in a process that goes far beyond logical deduction: Mentats cultivate "the naïve mind", the mind without preconception or prejudice, so as to extract essential patterns or logic from data and deliver useful conclusions with varying degrees of certainty. They are not limited to formulating syllogisms; they are the supreme counselors of the ''Dune'' universe, as menial as an economist or a historian who might advise leadership, or as grand as advisor to the Emperor. So the Mentat is not a purely "left brain" type of intelligence with only a simplistic-autistic cognition, they are profoundly aware of nuance, subtlety and the kind of "sensitivity to initial conditions" which is studied in Chaos theory. Additionally, they take in information not only through visual media but from every other sense, as well, and their calculations are delivered not as numerical probabilities but as flowing paths, subject to new variations through the influence of new factors. A Mentat's capabilities can be greatly increased by taking sapho juice, but using it leads to addiction. Sapho is extracted from roots found on Ecaz, and its use doubles or even triples the Mentat's already immense processing power. Repeated use leaves a permanent "cranberry-colored stain" on the user's lips. To be a Mentat may be a profession in itself, or the discipline may be added to other roles. The ability being rare, those who possess it are prized in whichever role they choose. There are various degrees of Mentat ability. In ''Dune'' (1965), Thufir Hawat is considered to be one of the finest Mentats of his time. In the same story, his student, Paul Atreides, becomes a Mentat, and later Atreides Duke, then Paul-Muad'Dib, Emperor of the Known Universe. In ''Heretics of Dune'' (1984) and ''Chapterhouse: Dune'' (1985), Miles Teg has an illustrious career as a combined Mentat and Supreme Bashar (or supreme general〔Heretics of Dune (1985)〕) of the forces of the Bene Gesserit. In ''Dune Messiah'' (1969), Duncan Idaho, the renowned Atreides swordsman, is restored to life as the Tleilaxu ghola, Hayt, imbued with the powers of a Mentat and Zensunni philosopher. It is also possible to vary the discipline: in ''Dune'', the Tleilaxu create "twisted Mentats" for Baron Vladimir Harkonnen (Piter De Vries being the most notable example). These are sociopathic Mentats free from the usual constraints of human morality or instinctual considerations. Piter is, among other things, a sadist, and acts as torturer for the Baron. In ''Heretics of Dune'', the Tleilaxu supply the Bene Gesserit with a Duncan ghola they have altered in many subtle and hidden ways, including the addition of dormant Mentat abilities. In ''God Emperor of Dune'' (1981), Leto II outlaws the Mentat order and crushes any renegade training schools he finds. Unlike his execution of historians, done to control his legacy and symbolism, Leto never says why he suppresses Mentats, leaving the reader to conclude that it simply plays a role in his larger purpose of oppressing humanity in order to create his Golden Path. The art is not eliminated, however, surviving through underground schools; notably, the Bene Gesserit preserve the Mentat discipline, assuming that Leto knows of this through his prescience, and approves. Later, in ''Chapterhouse Dune'', the Duncan ghola speaks to the Bene Gesserit Reverend Mother Bellonda and recalls his past incarnation from the time of Leto II: Bellonda retrieves the following information from Other Memory: 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「mentat」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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