Post by Amina Dawood on Aug 1, 2015 5:31:40 GMT
1. Explain the virtual simulation theory of consciousness.
What I understood from the “Brain Burn” video was that the virtual simulation theory of consciousness is that our mind works in a certain way to ensure our survival. We adapt to situations and choose to make specific decisions because we consciously know those decisions will result in something positive. As stated in the video, “Consciousness is a way around pure chance by developing an internalized map of possibilities which can be visualized internally without having to be outsourced prematurely.” This quote means that we already think of what we should do in situations and what would be the best choice without having to force ourselves to do that. We always have an idea of what the best decision is. We just wait for the right time to make our move. “Awareness is Poker. Self-reflective. Chance giving itself better odds.” So we do not leave decisions on “chance”, even if we think we do. The human mind already knows what move it’s going to make.
2. How does the brain trick us and for what benefit is it for our genetic survival?
The opening sentence in “Cerebral Mirage” can help us answer this question, “One of the most significant discoveries of modern science is that the world we perceive around us is not as it appears.” (2) We construct our own reality based on what we see happening around us. We learn what is right and wrong based on the actions others take. The brain tricks us into these actions because of mirror neurons. We tend to associate our lives with others and this can actually be good. When we see someone who is successful and living a healthy life, we will try to imitate that person and this is beneficial for our genetic survival. We will choose to make decisions which are practical and positive so we can live longer and transfer our genetic material onto others.
What I understood from the “Brain Burn” video was that the virtual simulation theory of consciousness is that our mind works in a certain way to ensure our survival. We adapt to situations and choose to make specific decisions because we consciously know those decisions will result in something positive. As stated in the video, “Consciousness is a way around pure chance by developing an internalized map of possibilities which can be visualized internally without having to be outsourced prematurely.” This quote means that we already think of what we should do in situations and what would be the best choice without having to force ourselves to do that. We always have an idea of what the best decision is. We just wait for the right time to make our move. “Awareness is Poker. Self-reflective. Chance giving itself better odds.” So we do not leave decisions on “chance”, even if we think we do. The human mind already knows what move it’s going to make.
2. How does the brain trick us and for what benefit is it for our genetic survival?
The opening sentence in “Cerebral Mirage” can help us answer this question, “One of the most significant discoveries of modern science is that the world we perceive around us is not as it appears.” (2) We construct our own reality based on what we see happening around us. We learn what is right and wrong based on the actions others take. The brain tricks us into these actions because of mirror neurons. We tend to associate our lives with others and this can actually be good. When we see someone who is successful and living a healthy life, we will try to imitate that person and this is beneficial for our genetic survival. We will choose to make decisions which are practical and positive so we can live longer and transfer our genetic material onto others.