Post by eferrerburnette on Oct 21, 2015 10:01:28 GMT
1. Explain the virtual simulation theory of consciousness.
The virtual simulator theory of consciousness is that our conscious is like a virtual simulator which allows us to sit back and think and theorize about different situations first before taking action. It is almost like playing a video game. We are allowed to explore and wonder the different possible outcomes and if we make an error and get killed, then we are allowed to play again and again until we figure it out. The human consciousness is similar in that it allows us to think and ponder and play out these different scenarios in our minds without us having to physically take any action. What still perplexes me and was discussed in the book, “Is the Universe an App,” is the different levels of consciousness which take place and are more obvious during our sleep and dream state. I have experienced dreams in which I know I am dreaming. I have also woke my-self from nightmares. The mind is so powerful and it has so many different levels of consciousness.
2. How does the brain trick us and for what benefit is it for our genetic survival?
The brain tricks us by simulating different realities which may not actually be real. For example the fact that we think our mind is separate from our bodies leads us to believe that there are two different entities. This is our mind playing a trick on us in order to help us feel in control. Also when we sleep, our brain takes control, taking us to different places experiencing different events which are not really happening in the real world. Although we are not aware that they are not real until we wake up. Yet, sometimes our brain is also aware we are dreaming and we are made aware of it. Our brain has different levels of consciousness which gives us a genetic advantage over other species because we are able to play out different scenarios and learn to make better decisions each time. And it even has the ability to wake us from a bad nightmare. It makes me wonder which level of consciousness is really real. When we sleep or when we are awake? That is why Diem-Lane & Lane explained that; “in both cases-dreaming and waking we are living in a simulation created by our brain” (P. 106). And it is this simulation which helps us adapt so well to changes and everyday life.
The virtual simulator theory of consciousness is that our conscious is like a virtual simulator which allows us to sit back and think and theorize about different situations first before taking action. It is almost like playing a video game. We are allowed to explore and wonder the different possible outcomes and if we make an error and get killed, then we are allowed to play again and again until we figure it out. The human consciousness is similar in that it allows us to think and ponder and play out these different scenarios in our minds without us having to physically take any action. What still perplexes me and was discussed in the book, “Is the Universe an App,” is the different levels of consciousness which take place and are more obvious during our sleep and dream state. I have experienced dreams in which I know I am dreaming. I have also woke my-self from nightmares. The mind is so powerful and it has so many different levels of consciousness.
2. How does the brain trick us and for what benefit is it for our genetic survival?
The brain tricks us by simulating different realities which may not actually be real. For example the fact that we think our mind is separate from our bodies leads us to believe that there are two different entities. This is our mind playing a trick on us in order to help us feel in control. Also when we sleep, our brain takes control, taking us to different places experiencing different events which are not really happening in the real world. Although we are not aware that they are not real until we wake up. Yet, sometimes our brain is also aware we are dreaming and we are made aware of it. Our brain has different levels of consciousness which gives us a genetic advantage over other species because we are able to play out different scenarios and learn to make better decisions each time. And it even has the ability to wake us from a bad nightmare. It makes me wonder which level of consciousness is really real. When we sleep or when we are awake? That is why Diem-Lane & Lane explained that; “in both cases-dreaming and waking we are living in a simulation created by our brain” (P. 106). And it is this simulation which helps us adapt so well to changes and everyday life.
