Consciousness – as a scientist I don’t think we can explain or understand consciousness. We know that it is a phenomenon of the brain and the result of a neuronal net involving the firing of neurones. We understand the ionic polarisation of a neuron and the way an impulse uses acetyl choline to jump a synapse. We even know, thanks to the latest imaging, which areas of the brain are used in experiences such as pain, pleasure, recognition, memories and even love. We can even stimulate these areas to induce these sensations.
What we cannot do is to explain the wonder of consciousness.
Religious people say this is proof that science has no answers.
I say that it is proof that science is only at the beginning; it is still in its early days and hasn’t even got going yet. I think there are a lot more revelations to come.
Death – we don’t really understand that either.
Isn’t it great that we still have some great mysteries to investigate?
Right now I will glory in the wonder of my mysterious consciousness and enjoy it.
I’m actually learning about Plato’s explanation of death and the afterlife right now.
That sounds fun. Wanna swap places?
Hehe sure I can never wake up early enough to get to my class on time anyway 😂
Oh – you didn’t tell me it was an early class. You should never deal with important matters until the evening! That’s a universal law. What is your uni playing at?
Agreed! No one should ever have to deal with anything before the evening!
And then you’ve got all the social stuff to pack in!
Yeah I forgot about that part…
That’s because you are imbibing too much! It makes you forget.
Actually I think it’s the lack of sleep 😂
Sleep!!! You’re young – who needs sleep???
According to my brain I do 😂
Ah well. Take a five minute nap. That’ll do it. Too much partying from the sound of it.
Lol I’ll try that out! And stop all the partying…
Not all the partying – just some.
Heck – give me an early class every time! By evening my brain is mush! About the topic – religion has nothing but simplistic myths and made up stories attributed to Divine inspiration and therefore the TRUTH! Science is WAY ahead in the search for answers. When you speak of consciousness, is that the same concept as the “soul” in religious circles? Is it the same concept as “identity”? Just askin!
John – I come alive at night – my brain wakes up. I agree with you about religion and science.
I’m not sure what consciousness is or how it comes about. I find it fascinating and awesome. I don’t really think it equates with what some people call the soul but I do think it is tied up in some way with identity.
I was raised to think in terms of the “soul”, so I think it may be related to the concept of consciousness. Like you, I’m just thinking out loud.
I don’t really know what people think of as soul. It seems connected to something apart and of the afterlife and as I don’t believe in any afterlife I suppose I don’t see what it could mean. I suppose you could equate it with consciousness John.