Post by Mariana CAstro on May 31, 2015 6:13:56 GMT
1. Explain the virtual simulation theory of consciousness.
The Virtual Simulation Theory of consciousness states that our consciousness serves as a virtual simulator where humans can act out scenarios or probabilities in their brains to determine the best mode of action. This virtual simulator gives humans an evolutionary advantage because rather than physically attempting to do things in reality, by simulating them in the brain we can prevent ourselves from engaging in life threatening behavior or making dangerous decisions. Essentially, virtual simulation is a genetic advantage over other animals that enable us to continually survive in this unforgiving world where competition is fierce. In "Is the Universe an App" by Diem-Lane explains that the virtual simulator helps humans "with developing ways to strategize" (143). Furthermore, in the same book, the same concept is re-iterated: The virtual simulator enable mammals with higher brain functions to “in source” varying options of how to respond to a disparate array of problems sourcing” them (hence the Darwinian advantage) (107). The virtual simulator not only helps us to survive by allowing us to simulate possibilities in our minds, but also by tricking us into believing certain self-created manifestations like dreams, near death experiences and other delusions.
2. How does the brain trick us and for what benefit is it for our genetic survival?
The brain tricks us in a few ways in order to help us survive. First, from a physical survival perspective, the brain tricks us into fearing things that may not really be there in order to save us from possible danger such as predators in the wild or a murderer on the street. We do this because in our ancestral past "we had to make quick on the spot judgments about an unusual sight or noise or smell in order not to get attacked by a predator" (Cerebral Mirage, Diem-Lane, 17). Another way our minds trick us is with near death experiences. During a near death experience we may feel some calling from a higher being, or see angels or have some kind of religious experience that feels very true to us. These experiences are actually just manifestations that we create ourselves from information we gather from our internal and external surroundings but our brain will tell us its something divine or supernatural. This trickery, according to Diem-Lane, helps humans want to live another day. These tricks motivate us to keep living and therefore increasing our chances of survival. Lastly, in "Is the Universe an App", Diem-Lane explains the spiritual aspect of our brain tricking us: "It can be argued that we are all delusional to some extent since many of our delusions (religious or otherwise) allow us to buffer ourselves from the stark reality that the planet we find ourselves foraging about is a death machine where no one gets out alive". Simply stated, making up stuff in our head helps "distract us from our precarious predicament", and gives us a reason to live. Although these assumptions are delusional, Diem-Lane states that they have "survival value" (17). In conclusion, although our consciousness serves a great evolutionary purpose, in order to function optimally, the virtual simulator must strike a delicate balance between reality and delusions. As the student in the book pointed out, too much reality will make us catatonic and too much delusion will make us schizophrenic.
The Virtual Simulation Theory of consciousness states that our consciousness serves as a virtual simulator where humans can act out scenarios or probabilities in their brains to determine the best mode of action. This virtual simulator gives humans an evolutionary advantage because rather than physically attempting to do things in reality, by simulating them in the brain we can prevent ourselves from engaging in life threatening behavior or making dangerous decisions. Essentially, virtual simulation is a genetic advantage over other animals that enable us to continually survive in this unforgiving world where competition is fierce. In "Is the Universe an App" by Diem-Lane explains that the virtual simulator helps humans "with developing ways to strategize" (143). Furthermore, in the same book, the same concept is re-iterated: The virtual simulator enable mammals with higher brain functions to “in source” varying options of how to respond to a disparate array of problems sourcing” them (hence the Darwinian advantage) (107). The virtual simulator not only helps us to survive by allowing us to simulate possibilities in our minds, but also by tricking us into believing certain self-created manifestations like dreams, near death experiences and other delusions.
2. How does the brain trick us and for what benefit is it for our genetic survival?
The brain tricks us in a few ways in order to help us survive. First, from a physical survival perspective, the brain tricks us into fearing things that may not really be there in order to save us from possible danger such as predators in the wild or a murderer on the street. We do this because in our ancestral past "we had to make quick on the spot judgments about an unusual sight or noise or smell in order not to get attacked by a predator" (Cerebral Mirage, Diem-Lane, 17). Another way our minds trick us is with near death experiences. During a near death experience we may feel some calling from a higher being, or see angels or have some kind of religious experience that feels very true to us. These experiences are actually just manifestations that we create ourselves from information we gather from our internal and external surroundings but our brain will tell us its something divine or supernatural. This trickery, according to Diem-Lane, helps humans want to live another day. These tricks motivate us to keep living and therefore increasing our chances of survival. Lastly, in "Is the Universe an App", Diem-Lane explains the spiritual aspect of our brain tricking us: "It can be argued that we are all delusional to some extent since many of our delusions (religious or otherwise) allow us to buffer ourselves from the stark reality that the planet we find ourselves foraging about is a death machine where no one gets out alive". Simply stated, making up stuff in our head helps "distract us from our precarious predicament", and gives us a reason to live. Although these assumptions are delusional, Diem-Lane states that they have "survival value" (17). In conclusion, although our consciousness serves a great evolutionary purpose, in order to function optimally, the virtual simulator must strike a delicate balance between reality and delusions. As the student in the book pointed out, too much reality will make us catatonic and too much delusion will make us schizophrenic.
