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Originally posted by sykickvision
If consciousness is not a physical anomaly determined by genetic makeup, if it is not a collection of memories and experiences that one has endured - then what is it?
I'm rather reluctant to conclude that is is an illusion created by an imperfect yet advanced brain.
I'm rather reluctant to conclude that is is an illusion created by an imperfect yet advanced brain.
Originally posted by traditionaldrummer
Originally posted by sykickvision
If consciousness is not a physical anomaly determined by genetic makeup, if it is not a collection of memories and experiences that one has endured - then what is it?
I'm rather reluctant to conclude that is is an illusion created by an imperfect yet advanced brain.
Why?
Consciousness isn't known to exist outside of a brain.
Originally posted by OnceReturned
I would argue that since brains are made up of the same elements as everything else, everything else contains the same stuff that yeilds consciousness in brains.
Originally posted by traditionaldrummer
Originally posted by OnceReturned
I would argue that since brains are made up of the same elements as everything else, everything else contains the same stuff that yeilds consciousness in brains.
This is demonstrably false though. One's arm may contain the same elements as the brian, yet is not conscious. Consciousness appears to exist in a properly functioning brain as a by-product of processing sensory information. Appeals to mystical explanations such as souls or collective consciousness fall flat in the face of evidence, or the lack thereof.
Originally posted by traditionaldrummer
Originally posted by sykickvision
If consciousness is not a physical anomaly determined by genetic makeup, if it is not a collection of memories and experiences that one has endured - then what is it?
I'm rather reluctant to conclude that is is an illusion created by an imperfect yet advanced brain.
Why?
Consciousness isn't known to exist outside of a brain.