Week 5 Question 1

The virtual simulation theory of consciousness is the theory that the mind can act as a virtual simulator. In yhe book Is The Universe An App? The author says “Arguably, consciousness is a virtual simulator, apparently evolved over eons of time to enable mammals with higher brain functions to “in source” varying options of how to respond to a disparate array of problems before “out sourcing” them (hence the Darwinian advantage).” The brain has evolved to be a virtual simulator to help us make decisions and to play out the course of events with having to actually take any action. This virtual simulation of events that humans create in their minds, allow us to understand and know the consequences of each action we me make before we even make them. Furthermore, the author explains that, “Consciousness as a virtual simulator (Edelman’s 2nd nature) may have evolved not only to help us with developing ways to strategize but also to distract us from our precarious predicament.“ The virtual simulation of our consciousness is more than just a way to see how events and situations will play out. It can be used to avoid dangerous or unsafe situations and actions that we might otherwise make.