Post by Justin Chao on Jul 29, 2015 21:26:19 GMT
1. Explain the virtual simulation theory of consciousness.
Humans, with the usage of the consciousness, are able to adapt and conform to our problems because we are not just aware the problem exists, but we proactively work to solve them. Even if the problem is not current, we are able to simulate what factors or issued may occur or need to be fixed in order to fully remedy the situation. This is best paraphrased in the book Is the Universe an App where David Lane remarks ““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)” (Lane 107). Obviously when the evolutionary steps were taken to the point where consciousness was first created, it proved to be a tool useful for survival and was passed on to the degree where it is an expectation of all humans today.
2. How does the brain trick us and for what benefit is it for our genetic survival? Be sure to support your answers with references to the required readings and films.
The brain tricks our minds because the information that we intake through our senses, such as
our ears, eyes, or nerves, must be 'translated' into data that can be identified by the brain. Thus what we intake may not initially make sense to us unless the brain takes action to translate what is being presented into a more relatable ideal. This is similar to what Andrea Lane writes in Cerebral Mirage where shes says “the scientific explanation for why an ocean is blue or a sunset is red is precisely not how we intend to experience such at first glance” (Lane 3). This is largely no doubt due to the huge influx of information the brain must constantly process. In terms of anatomy, the brain and the consciousness, though one is derived from the other, are separate entities from each other. You as a person are not aware of the subliminal changes the brain makes, at least not initially, in order to present to the consciousness the 'final product' of the information at hand. This comes from the need to adapt and survive that is hidden in the genetic coding of our bodies. Another example of this can be seen in the human sense of fear, where we create images in our mind that keep us alert and 'scared' in order to prepare our self for what dangers may come. The goosebumps on our body engage, giving an image of a larger being. Our body gives a dose of adrenaline for the added energy to escape or fight whatever danger is out there. Even if the danger does not exist due to tricks our brain plays, it shows that the survival instincts that the body possesses work in sync with the brain form our overall survival.
Humans, with the usage of the consciousness, are able to adapt and conform to our problems because we are not just aware the problem exists, but we proactively work to solve them. Even if the problem is not current, we are able to simulate what factors or issued may occur or need to be fixed in order to fully remedy the situation. This is best paraphrased in the book Is the Universe an App where David Lane remarks ““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)” (Lane 107). Obviously when the evolutionary steps were taken to the point where consciousness was first created, it proved to be a tool useful for survival and was passed on to the degree where it is an expectation of all humans today.
2. How does the brain trick us and for what benefit is it for our genetic survival? Be sure to support your answers with references to the required readings and films.
The brain tricks our minds because the information that we intake through our senses, such as
our ears, eyes, or nerves, must be 'translated' into data that can be identified by the brain. Thus what we intake may not initially make sense to us unless the brain takes action to translate what is being presented into a more relatable ideal. This is similar to what Andrea Lane writes in Cerebral Mirage where shes says “the scientific explanation for why an ocean is blue or a sunset is red is precisely not how we intend to experience such at first glance” (Lane 3). This is largely no doubt due to the huge influx of information the brain must constantly process. In terms of anatomy, the brain and the consciousness, though one is derived from the other, are separate entities from each other. You as a person are not aware of the subliminal changes the brain makes, at least not initially, in order to present to the consciousness the 'final product' of the information at hand. This comes from the need to adapt and survive that is hidden in the genetic coding of our bodies. Another example of this can be seen in the human sense of fear, where we create images in our mind that keep us alert and 'scared' in order to prepare our self for what dangers may come. The goosebumps on our body engage, giving an image of a larger being. Our body gives a dose of adrenaline for the added energy to escape or fight whatever danger is out there. Even if the danger does not exist due to tricks our brain plays, it shows that the survival instincts that the body possesses work in sync with the brain form our overall survival.