Post by Stacey V on Jun 6, 2015 6:36:03 GMT
Week 5 & 6
1. The idea behind the virtual simulator is that we as human beings are constantly playing out situations in our heads. Based on our conscious simulations, we will make decisions accordingly. Also, because we are aware of our conscious minds, humans base decisions on past experiences and memories. Additionally, most people tend to simulate future outcomes or consequences before actually acting on their thoughts. It is our conscious minds which allow us to invoke critical thought processes that lead to thorough planning or in some cases conspiring. Basically, we are free to imagine and invent all types of stories and scenarios to get an understanding of our personal feelings, dreams, or inspirations. It was the development of a true language that sets humans apart from other species such as animals. True language allows for humans to narrate fantasies, memories, and images. Moreover, our conscious mind continues to narrate our dreams which may lead to confusion between the dreaming and waking states. Our mental virtual simulators tend to replay memories or thoughts throughout our natural day and continue as we sleep.
2. The brain tricks us into thinking that the present is actually occurring in the now; however, everything we think has already happened. For example, as I write this very sentence, I can witness my past action of typing the beginning of this sentence on this very screen. A better example of this can be seen in the stars. When we look up on a starry night, we can see the glimmering light of what appears to be stars. However, what we actually see is how the stars looked like hundreds of thousands of years ago because it takes light thousands of years to reach the earth. Essential now is in the past, and it only exists in time not on time. This deception of the mind is necessary for our genetic survival. Predictions of incoming dangers may make the difference of one species surviving versus another. It is necessary to constantly be ready for defensive maneuvers such as stealth or camouflage in order to sneak past potentially life threatening situations. Likely, the genetic adaptation of a thought process such as a virtual simulator was passed down by our ancestors for survival reasons. In order to compete in the game of life and pass of genetics of a survivor, humans must have a sense of “self-reflective awareness.” (Cerebral Mirage, Diem-Lane, A. pg. 14)
1. The idea behind the virtual simulator is that we as human beings are constantly playing out situations in our heads. Based on our conscious simulations, we will make decisions accordingly. Also, because we are aware of our conscious minds, humans base decisions on past experiences and memories. Additionally, most people tend to simulate future outcomes or consequences before actually acting on their thoughts. It is our conscious minds which allow us to invoke critical thought processes that lead to thorough planning or in some cases conspiring. Basically, we are free to imagine and invent all types of stories and scenarios to get an understanding of our personal feelings, dreams, or inspirations. It was the development of a true language that sets humans apart from other species such as animals. True language allows for humans to narrate fantasies, memories, and images. Moreover, our conscious mind continues to narrate our dreams which may lead to confusion between the dreaming and waking states. Our mental virtual simulators tend to replay memories or thoughts throughout our natural day and continue as we sleep.
2. The brain tricks us into thinking that the present is actually occurring in the now; however, everything we think has already happened. For example, as I write this very sentence, I can witness my past action of typing the beginning of this sentence on this very screen. A better example of this can be seen in the stars. When we look up on a starry night, we can see the glimmering light of what appears to be stars. However, what we actually see is how the stars looked like hundreds of thousands of years ago because it takes light thousands of years to reach the earth. Essential now is in the past, and it only exists in time not on time. This deception of the mind is necessary for our genetic survival. Predictions of incoming dangers may make the difference of one species surviving versus another. It is necessary to constantly be ready for defensive maneuvers such as stealth or camouflage in order to sneak past potentially life threatening situations. Likely, the genetic adaptation of a thought process such as a virtual simulator was passed down by our ancestors for survival reasons. In order to compete in the game of life and pass of genetics of a survivor, humans must have a sense of “self-reflective awareness.” (Cerebral Mirage, Diem-Lane, A. pg. 14)