Post by qiuchichen on Jul 18, 2016 6:39:14 GMT
1. Explain the virtual simulation theory of consciousness.
The virtual simulation theory of consciousness says that human’s brain is a simulator that can simulate scenarios based on reality and the five senses which are vision, sound, smell, touch and taste. For instance, when we climb a mountain, we will simulate lots of scenarios such like the altitude of the mountain, the ability to climb and how long it takes so that we can prepare for the climbing.
“Interestingly, I think the idea that consciousness is a virtual simulator can dovetail nicely with thought experiments of this kind, since “imagining” what another person may consciously intend does indeed have dramatic consequences on how we may or may not react to a given situation”(85). Consciousness not only simulates scenarios, but also simulates how other people think about us. In this way, we establish self-awareness and develop an image about ourselves. According to this simulations, we can have different points of views and know how and where to achieve improvements.
2. How does the brain trick us and for what benefit is it for our genetic survival?
Our brain tricks us to believe the simulation in the brain. In the book Is Our Universe An App?, it mentioned that “creating an internal simulation of his/her mind—is crucial for survival, earning us the title 'the Machiavellian primate'”(18). It is why human beings can survive as a society. We can simulate what the other people is doing and what they think about us. As mentioned in the book, “Saying that all things are experienced through consciousness unnecessarily reifies the very word consciousness since awareness is not a “thingy” but a process as fluid as the tons of water cascading down Niagara Falls”(75). Consciousness is a context, not content. It is not a thing, but a process. It is a complex process that occurs naturally even without self-awareness. It helps us survive because of the ability to imagine difference scenarios and the ability to come up with possible and effective solutions.
Diem-Lane, Andrea, and David Christopher Lane. Is The Universe An App? Walnut: MSAC Philosophy Group, 2014. Web. 12 July 2016.
The virtual simulation theory of consciousness says that human’s brain is a simulator that can simulate scenarios based on reality and the five senses which are vision, sound, smell, touch and taste. For instance, when we climb a mountain, we will simulate lots of scenarios such like the altitude of the mountain, the ability to climb and how long it takes so that we can prepare for the climbing.
“Interestingly, I think the idea that consciousness is a virtual simulator can dovetail nicely with thought experiments of this kind, since “imagining” what another person may consciously intend does indeed have dramatic consequences on how we may or may not react to a given situation”(85). Consciousness not only simulates scenarios, but also simulates how other people think about us. In this way, we establish self-awareness and develop an image about ourselves. According to this simulations, we can have different points of views and know how and where to achieve improvements.
2. How does the brain trick us and for what benefit is it for our genetic survival?
Our brain tricks us to believe the simulation in the brain. In the book Is Our Universe An App?, it mentioned that “creating an internal simulation of his/her mind—is crucial for survival, earning us the title 'the Machiavellian primate'”(18). It is why human beings can survive as a society. We can simulate what the other people is doing and what they think about us. As mentioned in the book, “Saying that all things are experienced through consciousness unnecessarily reifies the very word consciousness since awareness is not a “thingy” but a process as fluid as the tons of water cascading down Niagara Falls”(75). Consciousness is a context, not content. It is not a thing, but a process. It is a complex process that occurs naturally even without self-awareness. It helps us survive because of the ability to imagine difference scenarios and the ability to come up with possible and effective solutions.
Diem-Lane, Andrea, and David Christopher Lane. Is The Universe An App? Walnut: MSAC Philosophy Group, 2014. Web. 12 July 2016.