Post by aspearman on Jun 13, 2015 7:38:29 GMT
Week 5&6
QUESTION 1
In the reading “Is the Universe an App?” the theory of consciousness as a virtual is discussed a lot. Gerald Edelman in an interview with Discover Magazine describes humans as having two fundamental forms of awareness. The primary, he explains is a state of awareness held by animals that allows them to live only within their present state of being and not having any consciousness of the past or present. In contrast, Edelman explains that humans are “conscious of being conscious” as we can recall past memories, ideas, or experiences while also being capable of planning or deciding future decisions and experiences. Edelman describes our “consciousness of being conscious” as the second form of awareness and it is our “evolutionary advantage” that has taken mankind to where it is today.
QUESTION 2
In reading “The Cerebral Image: The Deceptive Nature of Awareness”, we are once again introduced to the idea that the world around us is not as what we have been shown it to be. The significant discoveries of science have led to this belief. This book discusses many ideas about how our mind tricks us from seeing what we think and feel to be real. However, the book goes into great detail to discuss how our mind interprets the world around us and forms illusions of what we may believe to be reality. In addition, these perceptions and illusions that we have in our minds are discussed in terms of how they have been able to benefit humankind, lead to our progression as a species, and benefit us in our genetic survival. Thankfully, over time the evolution of the human mind has contributed to our ability to make present judgement and future predictions to enhance the progress of our species. Because of this, the text also implies that we should be cautious of how our brains can trick us of reality when we venture off into “different realms of awareness”.
Week 7
QUESTION 1
I definitely feel that A.I would be a significant problem in the future because too much of a good thing can go bad. People may get too dependent on such technology and become relaxed in their own abilities to solve problems on a daily basis. I think that it would take away from our own ability to live as human for human instead of as humans for robots. It may even get to the point where the intelligent help get to a point to where they feel that taking orders from a human as demeaning and take offence. This may lead to a retaliation that the robots feel the need to take apart of. According to Ray Kurzweil in the video, “The Coming Video” we will have computers who will be strong enough to simulate the human brain. Information technology will continue to grow exponentially. He predicts that by the year 2029, humans will have completed the reverse engineering on brains. This will allow for the creation and production of A.I. This will make computers smarter than humans. However, because humans created this technology, the use for A.I within computers and technology is to help the human race. Digital Philosophy explains the process of reverse engineering of the brain. “The basic idea is to instrument the brain at a very fine level of detail and measure all the parameters-from the diversity of cell types to the electrophysiology-in the mouse visual system, and from that reverse-engineer how it works”
QUESTION 2
Technology has impacted in my life in more ways than negative. Growing up in an era where technology had grown immensely it has helped me get to where I am today.One way in which technology has affected my life is because of the IPad. Where once I would buy books, I can now simply download them to my IPad, eliminating the need for the actual hard copy of the book. According to the reading, Digital Philosphy, “We live in multimedia land, and our books wish to reflect that as well”. I can also download books in PDF form unto my computer as well. The use of GPS has affected my life greatly. Before I had a GPS in my car, I was constantly getting lost. Even when people would give me directions, I would find a way to get lost. However, with the help of my GPS, when I get lost, I am able to quickly get back on track. Twitter is another aspect of technology that has a daily impact on my life. I use for social networking, for staying in contact with friends and family.
Week 8
QUESTION 1
Faqir Chand's experiences are important in understanding the projective nature of religious visions and miracles because he was acknowledged and accepted as an influential religious figure that offered his personal experiences. When Chand was potentially facing death, he provided insight about a vision he had that helped to save his life, as well as others. This “vision” was admired and honored for its impact on his lives and the lives of others. Fascinated by his vision and visions of others, Chand set out to investigate these visions by putting himself at many near-death scenarios to go on and understand the projection of miracles within nature. Chand had an unrivaled understanding of the mind and how it could use energy from within to push limits and boundaries, and even escape near-death experiences. In the book "The Unknowing Sage" Chand explains this energy from within: “I came to believe that the Master is no separate entity. Rather, He is the disciple’s Real Life Self and resided within” ,Chand has a very powerful message within the frame of this quote. Given Chand’s experiences and perspectives, we must acknowledge the idea that there is an energy or force that lies deep within our own minds and bodies.
QUESTION 2
The phrase "philosophy done well is science; philosophy done poorly remains philosophy" refers to the idea that the investigations that stem from important questions of philosophy that can lead to discussion and results based on factual evidence, much like science. Detailed facts and evidence based on explanations can support or not support any claims or ideas for almost any relevant subject matter. The idea that philosophy and science are intertwined reveals itself again. Advances and answers to questions in science rely on experiments based on many trials. During experiments observations are recorded that will support and disregard any hypothesis. Observations of these trials and experiments lead to findings called evidence. Philosophy has the ability to answer questions much like science. And currently, in today’s world our scientific and technological advances have allowed us to use science as a way to answer philosophical observations, ideas, and questions. An idea cannot be supported, accepted, or disregarded without facts to support it. Essentially, if the process in trying to answer questions or prove theories and ideas is done correctly and recorded and accurately, new developments and/or findings can be determined.
QUESTION 1
In the reading “Is the Universe an App?” the theory of consciousness as a virtual is discussed a lot. Gerald Edelman in an interview with Discover Magazine describes humans as having two fundamental forms of awareness. The primary, he explains is a state of awareness held by animals that allows them to live only within their present state of being and not having any consciousness of the past or present. In contrast, Edelman explains that humans are “conscious of being conscious” as we can recall past memories, ideas, or experiences while also being capable of planning or deciding future decisions and experiences. Edelman describes our “consciousness of being conscious” as the second form of awareness and it is our “evolutionary advantage” that has taken mankind to where it is today.
QUESTION 2
In reading “The Cerebral Image: The Deceptive Nature of Awareness”, we are once again introduced to the idea that the world around us is not as what we have been shown it to be. The significant discoveries of science have led to this belief. This book discusses many ideas about how our mind tricks us from seeing what we think and feel to be real. However, the book goes into great detail to discuss how our mind interprets the world around us and forms illusions of what we may believe to be reality. In addition, these perceptions and illusions that we have in our minds are discussed in terms of how they have been able to benefit humankind, lead to our progression as a species, and benefit us in our genetic survival. Thankfully, over time the evolution of the human mind has contributed to our ability to make present judgement and future predictions to enhance the progress of our species. Because of this, the text also implies that we should be cautious of how our brains can trick us of reality when we venture off into “different realms of awareness”.
Week 7
QUESTION 1
I definitely feel that A.I would be a significant problem in the future because too much of a good thing can go bad. People may get too dependent on such technology and become relaxed in their own abilities to solve problems on a daily basis. I think that it would take away from our own ability to live as human for human instead of as humans for robots. It may even get to the point where the intelligent help get to a point to where they feel that taking orders from a human as demeaning and take offence. This may lead to a retaliation that the robots feel the need to take apart of. According to Ray Kurzweil in the video, “The Coming Video” we will have computers who will be strong enough to simulate the human brain. Information technology will continue to grow exponentially. He predicts that by the year 2029, humans will have completed the reverse engineering on brains. This will allow for the creation and production of A.I. This will make computers smarter than humans. However, because humans created this technology, the use for A.I within computers and technology is to help the human race. Digital Philosophy explains the process of reverse engineering of the brain. “The basic idea is to instrument the brain at a very fine level of detail and measure all the parameters-from the diversity of cell types to the electrophysiology-in the mouse visual system, and from that reverse-engineer how it works”
QUESTION 2
Technology has impacted in my life in more ways than negative. Growing up in an era where technology had grown immensely it has helped me get to where I am today.One way in which technology has affected my life is because of the IPad. Where once I would buy books, I can now simply download them to my IPad, eliminating the need for the actual hard copy of the book. According to the reading, Digital Philosphy, “We live in multimedia land, and our books wish to reflect that as well”. I can also download books in PDF form unto my computer as well. The use of GPS has affected my life greatly. Before I had a GPS in my car, I was constantly getting lost. Even when people would give me directions, I would find a way to get lost. However, with the help of my GPS, when I get lost, I am able to quickly get back on track. Twitter is another aspect of technology that has a daily impact on my life. I use for social networking, for staying in contact with friends and family.
Week 8
QUESTION 1
Faqir Chand's experiences are important in understanding the projective nature of religious visions and miracles because he was acknowledged and accepted as an influential religious figure that offered his personal experiences. When Chand was potentially facing death, he provided insight about a vision he had that helped to save his life, as well as others. This “vision” was admired and honored for its impact on his lives and the lives of others. Fascinated by his vision and visions of others, Chand set out to investigate these visions by putting himself at many near-death scenarios to go on and understand the projection of miracles within nature. Chand had an unrivaled understanding of the mind and how it could use energy from within to push limits and boundaries, and even escape near-death experiences. In the book "The Unknowing Sage" Chand explains this energy from within: “I came to believe that the Master is no separate entity. Rather, He is the disciple’s Real Life Self and resided within” ,Chand has a very powerful message within the frame of this quote. Given Chand’s experiences and perspectives, we must acknowledge the idea that there is an energy or force that lies deep within our own minds and bodies.
QUESTION 2
The phrase "philosophy done well is science; philosophy done poorly remains philosophy" refers to the idea that the investigations that stem from important questions of philosophy that can lead to discussion and results based on factual evidence, much like science. Detailed facts and evidence based on explanations can support or not support any claims or ideas for almost any relevant subject matter. The idea that philosophy and science are intertwined reveals itself again. Advances and answers to questions in science rely on experiments based on many trials. During experiments observations are recorded that will support and disregard any hypothesis. Observations of these trials and experiments lead to findings called evidence. Philosophy has the ability to answer questions much like science. And currently, in today’s world our scientific and technological advances have allowed us to use science as a way to answer philosophical observations, ideas, and questions. An idea cannot be supported, accepted, or disregarded without facts to support it. Essentially, if the process in trying to answer questions or prove theories and ideas is done correctly and recorded and accurately, new developments and/or findings can be determined.