Post by tracyorigel on Mar 13, 2016 16:20:11 GMT
1. Why is the theory of evolution so important in understanding how human beings behave?
The Theory of Evolution is important in understanding how human beings behave because it shows which behavioral traits have survived throughout the human evolutionary timeline. As stated in the book of The DNA of Consciousness by Andrea Diem-Lane, she describes two different brothers. One is an animator and the other a non-animator. The animator attaches a specific view to objects, sort of like a soul; because of this view, the animator’s mind is far more open than say the non-animator. The non-animator does not view objects this way, thus his imagination has a very limited scope compared to his brother. Their different views can mean the difference between life and death, what the animator sees can mean two different things, either danger or perhaps just chance, but seeing one of those options as a great risk he chooses flight. The non-animator will see only one of these options, one of chance, and chooses to ignore something as harmless as a shaking bush. Of course the cause of the rustling can be something of danger, like a big cat, and of course result in the non-animator to be eaten. The behavior that led to the survival of the animator will be passed on to future generations, because it ensured survival. (Diem-Lane, 27) This can explain why humans behave certain ways in some situations, why we feel fear or happiness or why we practice certain rituals such as funerals or birthdays. While it can seem as something so insignificant, these behaviors can be closely tied with evolution because everything about us has been handed down by generations upon generations of our ancestors that have survived. Our existence alone is special and should not be discounted, but develop more inquiry and investigation into our evolutionary tree.
2. Which questions do you think evolutionary theory cannot answer?
Currently, I do not think that evolutionary theory can fully explain the complexities of the consciousness or what purpose the consciousness serves. While neuroscientists have made some groundbreaking discoveries of the brain, how it functions, which parts of the brain contribute to a conscious or unconscious state they haven’t truly pinpointed what consciousness is or what kinds of species hold this awareness; and, if they do have a sense of awareness, to what degree do they experience consciousness? In an article by Tanya Lewis, it is stated that while “philosophical approaches can be useful, they do not constitute testable theories of consciousness…” (Lewis, 2014) Of course, this isn’t to say we will never understand the consciousness. There is always evidence out there, and neuroscientists are there testing remarkable theories of the consciousness and trying to figure out what directly links brain functions and the consciousness. (2014) When we are able to find the answer that can fully explain consciousness, scientifically, it will be a truly exciting day.
References:
Diem-Lane, Andrea. The DNA of Consciousness. 2nd ed. Walnut: MSAC Philosophy Group, 2014. PDF.
Lewis, Tanya. "Scientists Closing in on Theory of Consciousness."LiveScience. TechMedia Network, 2014. Web. 12 Mar. 2016.
The Theory of Evolution is important in understanding how human beings behave because it shows which behavioral traits have survived throughout the human evolutionary timeline. As stated in the book of The DNA of Consciousness by Andrea Diem-Lane, she describes two different brothers. One is an animator and the other a non-animator. The animator attaches a specific view to objects, sort of like a soul; because of this view, the animator’s mind is far more open than say the non-animator. The non-animator does not view objects this way, thus his imagination has a very limited scope compared to his brother. Their different views can mean the difference between life and death, what the animator sees can mean two different things, either danger or perhaps just chance, but seeing one of those options as a great risk he chooses flight. The non-animator will see only one of these options, one of chance, and chooses to ignore something as harmless as a shaking bush. Of course the cause of the rustling can be something of danger, like a big cat, and of course result in the non-animator to be eaten. The behavior that led to the survival of the animator will be passed on to future generations, because it ensured survival. (Diem-Lane, 27) This can explain why humans behave certain ways in some situations, why we feel fear or happiness or why we practice certain rituals such as funerals or birthdays. While it can seem as something so insignificant, these behaviors can be closely tied with evolution because everything about us has been handed down by generations upon generations of our ancestors that have survived. Our existence alone is special and should not be discounted, but develop more inquiry and investigation into our evolutionary tree.
2. Which questions do you think evolutionary theory cannot answer?
Currently, I do not think that evolutionary theory can fully explain the complexities of the consciousness or what purpose the consciousness serves. While neuroscientists have made some groundbreaking discoveries of the brain, how it functions, which parts of the brain contribute to a conscious or unconscious state they haven’t truly pinpointed what consciousness is or what kinds of species hold this awareness; and, if they do have a sense of awareness, to what degree do they experience consciousness? In an article by Tanya Lewis, it is stated that while “philosophical approaches can be useful, they do not constitute testable theories of consciousness…” (Lewis, 2014) Of course, this isn’t to say we will never understand the consciousness. There is always evidence out there, and neuroscientists are there testing remarkable theories of the consciousness and trying to figure out what directly links brain functions and the consciousness. (2014) When we are able to find the answer that can fully explain consciousness, scientifically, it will be a truly exciting day.
References:
Diem-Lane, Andrea. The DNA of Consciousness. 2nd ed. Walnut: MSAC Philosophy Group, 2014. PDF.
Lewis, Tanya. "Scientists Closing in on Theory of Consciousness."LiveScience. TechMedia Network, 2014. Web. 12 Mar. 2016.