Post by Anthony Yu on Jul 22, 2015 17:17:49 GMT
1. Explain the virtual simulation theory of consciousness.
virtual simulation theory is that our mind simulate a world in which we live in. What we see is not real. Reality is merely what we believe we see, and when we do believe it is real, the real-ness come after. In the DisneyLand of consciousness, the reader thought he saw Johnny Depp hang from the ceiling making eye contact with him, and his friend thought there was a head inside the crystal globe. It is easy to find examples of our mind being deceived. Just like in the dream, for the most time, we started out thinking the dream was real. The virtual reality we experience through a third of our lifetime perfectly illustrate what our brains are capable of.
2. How does the brain trick us and for what benefit is it for our genetic survival?
So our brain can simulate environment, create consciousness. Simulation means prediction, just like we need crash simulation when testing a car's safety. If we can simulate most of the possible scenarios, we get to choose which one is best for us. Unlike other animals, we can think of the consequence before actually committing to it, so we do not ended up getting "eaten". Many times, our predictions are not precise as it seems to be. Just like Columbus was convinced that if he sailed west, he would get to Asia faster. He was so sure that when he finally reached the land, he thought he had found India. Although, obviously, he got tricked, his accomplishment is assertive. Another good example of the tricks play by our brain that help us survive is the NDE, near death experience. According to the reading, Cerebral Mirage, what we see when we are about to die can be proceeded as our brain last effort to make us not to die. And the proof is all the people reported seeing NDE did not die. Whether it be a brand new bicycle of promise, or a chapati from the kitchen, all the images reminds us of things yet to be done in this world, telling us that we are not finish just yet. That leaves me to a question, what will I see at the end of my tunnel?
virtual simulation theory is that our mind simulate a world in which we live in. What we see is not real. Reality is merely what we believe we see, and when we do believe it is real, the real-ness come after. In the DisneyLand of consciousness, the reader thought he saw Johnny Depp hang from the ceiling making eye contact with him, and his friend thought there was a head inside the crystal globe. It is easy to find examples of our mind being deceived. Just like in the dream, for the most time, we started out thinking the dream was real. The virtual reality we experience through a third of our lifetime perfectly illustrate what our brains are capable of.
2. How does the brain trick us and for what benefit is it for our genetic survival?
So our brain can simulate environment, create consciousness. Simulation means prediction, just like we need crash simulation when testing a car's safety. If we can simulate most of the possible scenarios, we get to choose which one is best for us. Unlike other animals, we can think of the consequence before actually committing to it, so we do not ended up getting "eaten". Many times, our predictions are not precise as it seems to be. Just like Columbus was convinced that if he sailed west, he would get to Asia faster. He was so sure that when he finally reached the land, he thought he had found India. Although, obviously, he got tricked, his accomplishment is assertive. Another good example of the tricks play by our brain that help us survive is the NDE, near death experience. According to the reading, Cerebral Mirage, what we see when we are about to die can be proceeded as our brain last effort to make us not to die. And the proof is all the people reported seeing NDE did not die. Whether it be a brand new bicycle of promise, or a chapati from the kitchen, all the images reminds us of things yet to be done in this world, telling us that we are not finish just yet. That leaves me to a question, what will I see at the end of my tunnel?
