What would it be like to be more or less conscious?

Thread starter Meatbot
Start date Aug 13, 2010

In summary, consciousness can be seen as a continuum with varying degrees of self-consciousness and awareness. Lower life forms may have less introspection, analysis, and cognitive abilities compared to humans. It is also possible for individuals to increase their consciousness, possibly through accessing normally unconscious brain functions. Autistic savants may have a higher degree of consciousness due to their ability to access hidden information. Additionally, consciousness can be influenced by external factors, such as stress or meditation. However, there is evidence that people are happiest when their consciousness is minimized, possibly due to the avoidance of negative thoughts and self-reflection. Overall, consciousness is a complex concept and its effects on happiness and well-being are still being explored.

Sep 23, 2010

apeiron

Gold Member

Rasalhague said:

Benjamin Libet's famous experiments do seem to show that the activity in the brain needed to generate an experience takes a significant fraction of a second, without which, nothing.

Libet's work and much other neuroscience does indeed show it take circa 200ms for a habit-level awareness of the world, and circa 500ms for an attention-level awareness, but the reason we experience no gaps (mostly) is because we anticipate the world anyway.

The brain actually works by predicting its input (and then reworking things only after mismatches or prediction are detected).

<h2>1. What is consciousness?</h2><p>Consciousness is the state of being aware of one's thoughts, feelings, and surroundings. It is often described as the subjective experience of being alive and aware.</p><h2>2. Can consciousness be measured?</h2><p>There is no definitive way to measure consciousness as it is a subjective experience. However, scientists use brain imaging techniques and behavioral tests to study the neural correlates of consciousness.</p><h2>3. Is it possible to be more conscious?</h2><p>While there is no agreed upon definition of "more conscious," it is possible to increase one's level of awareness and self-reflection through practices such as meditation and mindfulness.</p><h2>4. What factors influence levels of consciousness?</h2><p>There are many factors that can influence levels of consciousness, including brain activity, emotions, sensory input, and external stimuli. Certain substances, such as drugs and alcohol, can also alter one's level of consciousness.</p><h2>5. Can consciousness be altered or lost?</h2><p>Yes, consciousness can be altered or lost through various means such as anesthesia, brain injuries, and certain disorders. However, the exact mechanisms and implications of altered or lost consciousness are still being studied by scientists.</p>

Related to What would it be like to be more or less conscious?

1. What is consciousness?

Consciousness is the state of being aware of one's thoughts, feelings, and surroundings. It is often described as the subjective experience of being alive and aware.

2. Can consciousness be measured?

There is no definitive way to measure consciousness as it is a subjective experience. However, scientists use brain imaging techniques and behavioral tests to study the neural correlates of consciousness.

3. Is it possible to be more conscious?

While there is no agreed upon definition of "more conscious," it is possible to increase one's level of awareness and self-reflection through practices such as meditation and mindfulness.

4. What factors influence levels of consciousness?

There are many factors that can influence levels of consciousness, including brain activity, emotions, sensory input, and external stimuli. Certain substances, such as drugs and alcohol, can also alter one's level of consciousness.

5. Can consciousness be altered or lost?

Yes, consciousness can be altered or lost through various means such as anesthesia, brain injuries, and certain disorders. However, the exact mechanisms and implications of altered or lost consciousness are still being studied by scientists.