Post by allyanas on Jul 30, 2016 0:06:26 GMT
Week 4 - Neural Philosophy and Consciousness
Essay 1 - Explain the virtual simulation theory of consciousness.
The term “brain burn” is akin to heartburn, which arises when something does not sit well within us. Often, our mind begins to wander through endless scenarios and possibilities when we come across deep thoughts and questions that originate from our consciousness.
“Brain Burn: Consciousness as a Virtual Simulator” is a video that defines consciousness as, “a way around pure chance by developing an internalized map of probabilities which can be visualized internally without having to be outsourced prematurely.” Our consciousness allows us to simulate a variety of situations within our minds, and based upon those findings we carry out appropriate actions. In order to produce these varying scenarios, our consciousness helps us gather and interpret information through the stimuli received from our senses (sight, hearing, smell, and touch) during both waking and dream states.
In the book “Is The Universe An App?,” Andrea Diem-Lane and David Lane discuss how “consciousness is a fantastic virtual simulator and because of its inclusivity and insular engineering it has an inherent tendency to believe its own machinations as exterior to itself and not as the byproduct of its own interiority” (75). A dream can seem real with our interactions and how we perceive them, but we understand that our dreams are simulations developed from our consciousness.
Diem-Lane, Andrea and David Lane. Is The Universe An App?. Walnut: MSAC Philosophy Group, 2014. Web.
Neuralsurfer. “Brain Burn: Consciousness as a Virtual Simulator.” Online video clip. YouTube. YouTube, 25 Nov. 2008.
Essay 2 - How does the brain trick us and for what benefit is it for our genetic survival?
In the book “Is The Universe An App?,” we learn that the consciousness acts as a virtual simulator, but truthfully, “we are stuck to the world of appearances, even the appearance of our own deeply felt self-awareness” (A. Diem-Lane and D. Lane 78). The brain can tricks us in the way that it interprets information, especially regarding conscious vs unconscious and real vs CGI effects with today’s advanced technology. Lane says, “determining whether someone is conscious or unconscious is, as far as we can tell at this stage, the result of how we individually interpret a set of behavioral actions” (76). Possible resulting mistakes are well illustrated in both “The Disneyland of Consciousness” video and section of the required reading: animatronic image of Abraham Lincoln at the Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln show, pirate in Pirates of the Caribbean ride, floating head in the crystal ball at the Haunted Mansion ride, and characters in our own dreams.
According to Andrea Diem-Lane and David Lane, “Deception is part and parcel of nature and is an intrinsic and necessary feature of human existence. Without it we wouldn't be able to survive...” (98). The brain tricks us by integrating our own predispositions with other external factors in order to make sense of the world and create the environment that we perceive. This “trick” can actually be a benefit for our survival. As a virtual simulator, the brain allows us to devise varying scenarios and either plan to act upon or disregard those unworthy of engagement, thus saving time and conserving effort which could be better spent on more beneficial actions. This is similar to how animals with a consciousness escape predators, by correctly being aware of their surroundings and the external stimuli being received. Combined with an image in mind and connecting it to past experience they act accordingly to make their escape.
Although the human consciousness is imperfect regarding interpretation,”the ability to consider alternative images in an explicit way is definitely evolutionarily advantageous” (86).
Diem-Lane, Andrea and David Lane. Is The Universe An App?. Walnut: MSAC Philosophy Group, 2014. Web.
Neuralsurfer. “The Disneyland of Consciousness: Exploring the Animatronic Image.” Online video clip. YouTube. YouTube, 12 Nov. 2011.
Essay 1 - Explain the virtual simulation theory of consciousness.
The term “brain burn” is akin to heartburn, which arises when something does not sit well within us. Often, our mind begins to wander through endless scenarios and possibilities when we come across deep thoughts and questions that originate from our consciousness.
“Brain Burn: Consciousness as a Virtual Simulator” is a video that defines consciousness as, “a way around pure chance by developing an internalized map of probabilities which can be visualized internally without having to be outsourced prematurely.” Our consciousness allows us to simulate a variety of situations within our minds, and based upon those findings we carry out appropriate actions. In order to produce these varying scenarios, our consciousness helps us gather and interpret information through the stimuli received from our senses (sight, hearing, smell, and touch) during both waking and dream states.
In the book “Is The Universe An App?,” Andrea Diem-Lane and David Lane discuss how “consciousness is a fantastic virtual simulator and because of its inclusivity and insular engineering it has an inherent tendency to believe its own machinations as exterior to itself and not as the byproduct of its own interiority” (75). A dream can seem real with our interactions and how we perceive them, but we understand that our dreams are simulations developed from our consciousness.
Bibliography
Diem-Lane, Andrea and David Lane. Is The Universe An App?. Walnut: MSAC Philosophy Group, 2014. Web.
Neuralsurfer. “Brain Burn: Consciousness as a Virtual Simulator.” Online video clip. YouTube. YouTube, 25 Nov. 2008.
Essay 2 - How does the brain trick us and for what benefit is it for our genetic survival?
In the book “Is The Universe An App?,” we learn that the consciousness acts as a virtual simulator, but truthfully, “we are stuck to the world of appearances, even the appearance of our own deeply felt self-awareness” (A. Diem-Lane and D. Lane 78). The brain can tricks us in the way that it interprets information, especially regarding conscious vs unconscious and real vs CGI effects with today’s advanced technology. Lane says, “determining whether someone is conscious or unconscious is, as far as we can tell at this stage, the result of how we individually interpret a set of behavioral actions” (76). Possible resulting mistakes are well illustrated in both “The Disneyland of Consciousness” video and section of the required reading: animatronic image of Abraham Lincoln at the Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln show, pirate in Pirates of the Caribbean ride, floating head in the crystal ball at the Haunted Mansion ride, and characters in our own dreams.
According to Andrea Diem-Lane and David Lane, “Deception is part and parcel of nature and is an intrinsic and necessary feature of human existence. Without it we wouldn't be able to survive...” (98). The brain tricks us by integrating our own predispositions with other external factors in order to make sense of the world and create the environment that we perceive. This “trick” can actually be a benefit for our survival. As a virtual simulator, the brain allows us to devise varying scenarios and either plan to act upon or disregard those unworthy of engagement, thus saving time and conserving effort which could be better spent on more beneficial actions. This is similar to how animals with a consciousness escape predators, by correctly being aware of their surroundings and the external stimuli being received. Combined with an image in mind and connecting it to past experience they act accordingly to make their escape.
Although the human consciousness is imperfect regarding interpretation,”the ability to consider alternative images in an explicit way is definitely evolutionarily advantageous” (86).
Bibliography
Diem-Lane, Andrea and David Lane. Is The Universe An App?. Walnut: MSAC Philosophy Group, 2014. Web.
Neuralsurfer. “The Disneyland of Consciousness: Exploring the Animatronic Image.” Online video clip. YouTube. YouTube, 12 Nov. 2011.