Post by chrishill20 on Oct 21, 2016 21:02:45 GMT
1.) Explain the virtual theory of consciousness.
- The virtual theory of consciousness explains that we can simulate or think of scenarios from our conscious prior to doing it in real-life. This is essential in helping us visualize the best possibilities of doing something without any consequence or trouble per se. In Is the Universe an App, the author states that “what we see, hear, touch, and smell are the results of how our central nervous system processes both external and internal stimuli, and then reconstructs a virtual environment” (Diem-Lane and Lane, 106). This is vital because humans are the only organisms that can simulate potential events and be able to adjust accordingly. This feature that we possess has helped with our advancement in our environment. Also in the book, the author suggests “the idea that consciousness is a virtual simulator can dovetail nicely with thought experiments…since imagining what another person may consciously intend does have dramatic consequences on how we may or may not react to a given situation” (Diem-Lane and Lane, 85). This quote explains that through virtual simulation, our consciousness can react or change our thought process on something if we see another person do that and fail.
2.) How does the brain trick us and for what benefit is it for our genetic survival?
- The brain tricks us in several ways but it benefits us because it works in our ability to survive. Our brain stimulates different realities or visions for us to adjust and survive. In the book Is the Universe an App, it says that “the brain tricks us into believing its own machinations as something that is not sui generis” (Diem-Lane and Lane, 102). Another quote from this book states “Consciousness is a bunch of tricks in the brain and were learning what those tricks are and how they fit together” (Diem-Lane and Lane, 139). The brain playing tricks on us allows us to stay around long enough by playing out scenarios in our head and not having to test out these same situations in the real world without any prior knowledge beforehand. The brain forming these illusions in our minds have allowed humans to make better judgement and how to avoid potential issues or situations that may be detrimental to our genetic survival.
- The virtual theory of consciousness explains that we can simulate or think of scenarios from our conscious prior to doing it in real-life. This is essential in helping us visualize the best possibilities of doing something without any consequence or trouble per se. In Is the Universe an App, the author states that “what we see, hear, touch, and smell are the results of how our central nervous system processes both external and internal stimuli, and then reconstructs a virtual environment” (Diem-Lane and Lane, 106). This is vital because humans are the only organisms that can simulate potential events and be able to adjust accordingly. This feature that we possess has helped with our advancement in our environment. Also in the book, the author suggests “the idea that consciousness is a virtual simulator can dovetail nicely with thought experiments…since imagining what another person may consciously intend does have dramatic consequences on how we may or may not react to a given situation” (Diem-Lane and Lane, 85). This quote explains that through virtual simulation, our consciousness can react or change our thought process on something if we see another person do that and fail.
2.) How does the brain trick us and for what benefit is it for our genetic survival?
- The brain tricks us in several ways but it benefits us because it works in our ability to survive. Our brain stimulates different realities or visions for us to adjust and survive. In the book Is the Universe an App, it says that “the brain tricks us into believing its own machinations as something that is not sui generis” (Diem-Lane and Lane, 102). Another quote from this book states “Consciousness is a bunch of tricks in the brain and were learning what those tricks are and how they fit together” (Diem-Lane and Lane, 139). The brain playing tricks on us allows us to stay around long enough by playing out scenarios in our head and not having to test out these same situations in the real world without any prior knowledge beforehand. The brain forming these illusions in our minds have allowed humans to make better judgement and how to avoid potential issues or situations that may be detrimental to our genetic survival.