In the publication entitled the Science of Memory 2nd Edition 2021 it mentions 10 mysteries of the mind- Consciousness? – probably the greatest since no one can say precisely what is means, Deep Freeze- the illusion of immortality, mortal mystery- why do we age, Nature vs Nature- blame your genes or the environment, Brain teaser- Laughter still the best medicine, Memory lane- but for how long?, Phantom Feelings- aren't they just as real as the others specifically identified to trauma?, Mission control- just who’s in control and when or is it the subconscious?, Slumber Sleuth- sleep and why we need it, and Sweet dreams.
The rather obvious conclusion can be drawn from the old adage the more you know the more you realize what you don’t know.
All of these mysteries of course relate to our brain functionality and in turn what we can say about our consciousness.
They invite interesting discussions- what do you think?
11 comments:
There is a well-written book with great insight into what consciousness is, in fact. The title is Eye of the Vortex by Rodolfo R. Llinás. As for other things not associated with the brain such as a soul, we definitely have only hearsay, but as the old song say "Is That All There Is?"
https://mitpress.mit.edu/books/i-vortex
I have a book which I read with great interest, "i of the Vortex - From Neurons to Self." Would this be the same publication?
I was somewhat amused by the apparent illusion of immortality, followed by 'the more you know the more you realise you don't know.' I wonder whether this is not the ego being honest for once, and recognising its [shudder the thought] limitations?
Yes Tom, that is the full title. An enlightening book.
Hi Deanna ,
Many thanks for the reference.
However, from what I have read extensively about this subject, which incidentally I find quite interesting, I am afraid I remain unconvinced.
I do believe the author and others provide a perfectly valid description of what might entail brain processes by references to qualia - what’s known about the phenomenon of quantum states. But that doesn’t translate to an explanation of how precisely those neuronal tracers are able to identify selective past memories held that is uniquely you (your identity ) with all of the incoming signals or stimulus. Sure, we can identify where this activity resides in the architecture of the frontal regions, where it is believed consciousness comes to fruition, but not how it precisely works or can be understood.
For instance how the neuronal tracers work on a personal level isn’t resolved satisfactorily. The explanation is this is achieved by the referencing of prior tracer similar signal memories already stored but then more fully reconstructed in our consciousness. The question of you and your identity and how all of that works isn’t explained. This leads most to believe the question of consciousness is the single most hard question that remains unresolved.
I have only scratched the surface as It’s hard for me to explain my perspective in a comment. But maybe I can put it more succinctly by saying we can build special purpose quantum computers that are much more powerful than conventional ones from just the tiny little bit we know. Best wishes
Hi Tom,
Thanks for your input. The heading Deep Freeze - the illusion of immortality references cryonics.
Whether you regard cryonics to be a mystery or an illusion maybe is a moot point.
I rather think it is Illusory.
As both Deanna and yourself have read the book I would welcome any feedback from either of you and particularly if you like , that address my concerns raised in the previous comment.
On the question of ego, just a friendly point to make is it fair for it ( the ego ) to always get a bad press ? After all we would all be dead if we didn’t have an ego !
Best wishes
But it would be great to have a discussion on consciousness as it applies to questions of identity. Questions rather than answers like how do you know your identity? Best wishes
Hi Lindsay,
To make an equally friendly point, I'll not rise to that question.
Best wishes to you, also.
I would highly recommend that you acquire a copy of the book suggested. I don't think anything as fancy as quantum physics was involved in the author's explanation.
In brief, any multi-celled creature that develops the capacity for movement will evolve to have some sort of "brain". Being able to navigate purposefully makes that creature more successful in the hunt and in the ability to avoid being eaten as well.
As highly evolved beings, our brain has managed to find multiple ways of doing these things. Consciousness, then, is nothing more or less than the highly specialized sense of what is around us, what all of that stuff is (danger, food, procreational opportunity, etc) and how we should move in order to act appropriately.
This briefest of synopses does little credit to Llinás' book, but it might be enough to whet your appetite.
Perhaps I should add that human brains have sufficient complexity to make us imagine that the world around us can be manipulated by our actions, we transfer that brain power into an imagining about ourself. A reliable self-image is useful when planning motion after all. It isn't much of a stretch to believe that the same brain that will enable us to imagine ourself killing and eating, will also believe those items around us have those same imaginings. Natural selection being what it is, we must be the product of a great deal of success. Our sense of self and our beliefs, including a conscious world, evolved, and it is cellular, is what I believe.
Hi Deanna,
Based on your excellent summary and subsequent explanation I can confirm you most certainly have wet my appetite for the book which I will purchase. Many thanks.
Oh brilliant, Deanna. Glad I didn't rise to the bait.
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