- #36
Les Sleeth
Gold Member
- 2,262
- 2
Originally posted by Jimmy
I was using the term 'perception' loosely. My post did seem to focus mostly on the physical aspects of consciousness and the transfer of information.
Hmmmmm, I think I must have really misinterpreted your point. I am embarrassed to say I still don't fully understand it. I assumed you were doing a sort of human mind - computer analogy. I might have been thrown off when I saw the word "information."
Originally posted by Jimmy
I was not, however, trying to push the idea of pure materialism.
Although I love to dispute the principles of materialist philosophy, I think there are people who have good reasons for thinking it is true. My biggest objections so far have been people's debating tactics and their objectivity. It's perfectly fine with me if someone wants to be a materialist, an immaterialist, or anything in between as long as they debate fairly and objectively.
Originally posted by Jimmy
Like I asked before, what is it that extracts the information that is represented by the neurons and how they operate together?
I did notice that, and wondered what you were saying there. To me, what/whomever it is that is "extracting" is what makes me most interested in consciousness.
Originally posted by Jimmy
I was trying to convey the idea that information, after you examine the physical processes behind it, is abstract. I don't believe that the physical aspects of our brains alone can explain consciousness/awareness and especially self-awareness.
I think this is where I need more explanation. Do you mean its abstractness suggests it is the interpreting element of consciousness that makes that abstraction something conscious?
Originally posted by Jimmy
On a side note: I think about these things frequently but I have not studied neurology or consciousness formally. The things I am saying are no doubt oversimplified and maybe just plain wrong. Forgive me if I use terms loosely. I was intrigued by this discussion and wanted to partake in the discussion. I won't be offended if people point out my mistakes. That's why I'm here discussing this topic. I want to learn.
You are doing fine as far as I'm concerned. I hope you didn't take my way of debating (which is to rather intensely line up everything I can in support of my postion ) as a criticism of you. I assumed from certain things you said in your post you were arguing in support of the materialist view; and so, in the spirit of debate, I challenged your points (as I understood them).