Post by Sonia Zaragoza on Jul 18, 2016 3:22:37 GMT
1. Explain the virtual simulation theory of consciousness.
Virtual simulation theory of consciousness represents the process and the end work of how the brain works. This represents how our brain processes different clues that it captures from our surroundings, plus any other pieces of information that are being held in the back of our mind, and puts it together leading to the formation of ideas and conclusions that we believe are true. The idea is mentioned in the reading “Is The Universe An App” when stating that, “everything we experience is modulated through our brains,” (p. 68), and that ultimately everything runs through it. An example of this can be seen in the video The Disneyland of Consciousness, when as explained, an 80 year old lady mistakenly believed that the robot prototype of Abraham Lincoln featured at the show was actually an actor. In this incident, the lady captured different pieces of information and added the background knowledge that she had, which due she came up with the most logical conclusion that she could find. As presented, consciousness is “determining whether someone is conscious or unconscious… [which] is the result of how we individually interpret a set of behavioral actions…it is a series of movements and reflection and moments turning this way and that in a constant parade of attention space” (p.76).
2. How does the brain trick us and for what benefit is it for our genetic survival?
The brain is its own system, and as human beings have evolved physically so as the mental capabilities. This has allowed humans to develop skills and gain knowledge through the practice of trial and error. Based on the need to survive the brain will take pieces of information to avoid pain or anything that may represent a stressor. Every person has a different reaction and takes things differently, such is the brains power that sometimes it can suppress memories, as well as release endorphins to reduce the way we feel pain, which act as drugs, among other functions. As mentioned, in the video Brain Burn, “consciousness is dissociation [and] it can play out via internal machinations, [which can be represented by] imagination and day dreaming.
This simulator of ours has helped us survived by helping us adapt through evolution as we have previously studied. As presented in the video previously mentioned, at some point certain human beings were not adapted to certain environments, but the need to survive and consciousness helped them play the role needed. Consecutively, this helps project what would be best for their own advantage. But others who do not develop consciousness and “play the role in real life” are more likely to face worse outcomes. In its entirety, this is because by developing consciousness, it allows to consider multiple scenarios at once by playing them in our heads, which helps determine the most optimal option.
2. How does the brain trick us and for what benefit is it for our genetic survival?
The brain is its own system, and as human beings have evolved physically so as the mental capabilities. This has allowed humans to develop skills and gain knowledge through the practice of trial and error. Based on the need to survive the brain will take pieces of information to avoid pain or anything that may represent a stressor. Every person has a different reaction and takes things differently, such is the brains power that sometimes it can suppress memories, as well as release endorphins to reduce the way we feel pain, which act as drugs, among other functions. As mentioned, in the video Brain Burn, “consciousness is dissociation [and] it can play out via internal machinations, [which can be represented by] imagination and day dreaming.
This simulator of ours has helped us survived by helping us adapt through evolution as we have previously studied. As presented in the video previously mentioned, at some point certain human beings were not adapted to certain environments, but the need to survive and consciousness helped them play the role needed. Consecutively, this helps project what would be best for their own advantage. But others who do not develop consciousness and “play the role in real life” are more likely to face worse outcomes. In its entirety, this is because by developing consciousness, it allows to consider multiple scenarios at once by playing them in our heads, which helps determine the most optimal option.