Post by darryl on Oct 5, 2015 20:58:41 GMT
1. Explain the virtual simulation theory of consciousness.
This is the theory that maintains that virtually everything we feel or think to be true or “real” is in fact a simulation designed to keep us unaware or perhaps even protected from the ultimate reality of the hostile universe that we live in. A good example to illustrate this theory would be the Matrix movie series, in which the lead character played by Keeanu Reeves, is “awakened” from his own personal illusion of reality when he was given a pill that had the capacity to either change or prohibit those neurons affecting his cerebral cortex and ultimately his consciousness. He would come to see the world completely different in his new state of consciousness. Proponents of this theory suggest that we live in the “dark” in similar fashion, and what we think is reality is really nothing more than a simulation designed to make us think it is as such.
2. How does the brain trick us and for what benefit is it for our genetic survival?
The senses can easily be deceived, what you hear, see and even smell can easily be manipulated by what you think, who you are and what experiences your DNA has been subjected to throughout time. No difference with your inner thoughts and perceptions. Our neural cortex is responsible for everything, even us being “us” which means we really have no control over who we are. The control lies within the DNA of your cerebral cortex, and thus what you perceive about everything is subjected to where the DNA the flows within you has been. We are instead who our minds want us to be, whatever that is, leaving us with very little or no control in the matter. Of course the brain has evolved to make us think we have control, but do we? What you believe, is what you will see, and what you believe is based upon your DNA. When we sleep the dreams we see, no matter how realistic they seem to be, are projections from what’s inside your head. The brain can be so easily deceived; for example, no one can argue for sure that when you are supposed to be “awake” mid-day driving down the freeway, that you are not actually fast asleep dreaming, and that what we refer to as “dreams” overnight when we are allegedly asleep, isn’t in fact really periods when we are “awake”. The benefit for survival here is clear, not knowing the outcome means the fight for survival will remain robust, genetically speaking, which is important for natural selection to occur. Also not knowing the truth acts as a shield from the certain and sometimes frightening impending doom. We can’t handle the truth, clearly, perhaps that’s why the brain has developed mechanisms to shield us from such.
philweek 78.docx (12.89 KB)
This is the theory that maintains that virtually everything we feel or think to be true or “real” is in fact a simulation designed to keep us unaware or perhaps even protected from the ultimate reality of the hostile universe that we live in. A good example to illustrate this theory would be the Matrix movie series, in which the lead character played by Keeanu Reeves, is “awakened” from his own personal illusion of reality when he was given a pill that had the capacity to either change or prohibit those neurons affecting his cerebral cortex and ultimately his consciousness. He would come to see the world completely different in his new state of consciousness. Proponents of this theory suggest that we live in the “dark” in similar fashion, and what we think is reality is really nothing more than a simulation designed to make us think it is as such.
2. How does the brain trick us and for what benefit is it for our genetic survival?
The senses can easily be deceived, what you hear, see and even smell can easily be manipulated by what you think, who you are and what experiences your DNA has been subjected to throughout time. No difference with your inner thoughts and perceptions. Our neural cortex is responsible for everything, even us being “us” which means we really have no control over who we are. The control lies within the DNA of your cerebral cortex, and thus what you perceive about everything is subjected to where the DNA the flows within you has been. We are instead who our minds want us to be, whatever that is, leaving us with very little or no control in the matter. Of course the brain has evolved to make us think we have control, but do we? What you believe, is what you will see, and what you believe is based upon your DNA. When we sleep the dreams we see, no matter how realistic they seem to be, are projections from what’s inside your head. The brain can be so easily deceived; for example, no one can argue for sure that when you are supposed to be “awake” mid-day driving down the freeway, that you are not actually fast asleep dreaming, and that what we refer to as “dreams” overnight when we are allegedly asleep, isn’t in fact really periods when we are “awake”. The benefit for survival here is clear, not knowing the outcome means the fight for survival will remain robust, genetically speaking, which is important for natural selection to occur. Also not knowing the truth acts as a shield from the certain and sometimes frightening impending doom. We can’t handle the truth, clearly, perhaps that’s why the brain has developed mechanisms to shield us from such.
philweek 78.docx (12.89 KB)
