(February 2, 2013 at 12:09 pm)dj-hato Wrote: you should say without any evidence that is highly unlikely
not a plain no that is a insufficient answer and a dead end in a debate and that stagnates further research in the subject

I see no reason to believe such a thing exists. I would say the likelihood that it does is too small to consider seriously.

According to the Necronomicon Azathoth *sits* in the middle of the universe; a blind idiot *god* surounded by swirling chaos. *He* is constantly creating and uncreating things according to *his* whims. Cleave not toward this *god* for fear that he unmake you.

Sure maybe the universe could be concious in some way? Who knows, really, I'm open to the idea. Maybe string theory is just our limited understanding of the synaptic workings of the universe and concentrations of dark matter work as myelin sheaths to direct *thoughts*? Maybe we are that timeless being expressing itself thoughout time as echos that interact with each other and complete our understanding of ourself.

One chip equals three bisquits.

So I guess the general consensus is that no one here has any form of felt experience, will, or self-understanding. You're all zombies.

ultimatley i think conciousness is just a product of the mind. no mind no conciousness.

(February 16, 2013 at 5:52 pm)justin Wrote: ultimatley i think conciousness is just a product of the mind. no mind no conciousness.

I suspect you mean to say "No brain, no consciousness."

Unfortunately no one has been able to provide a physical mechanism that links consciousness (however defined) to any unique brain process. It's just an assumption born of naturalistic bias.

At least the idea is not as patently absurd as saying that consciousness is some kind of illusion. If consciousness were an illusion then of what is it an illusion?

Which is worse: Believing in something that exists beyond the physical senses OR denying the direct unmediated evidence of your own experience?

(February 16, 2013 at 2:30 pm)ChadWooters Wrote: So I guess the general consensus is that no one here has any form of felt experience, will, or self-understanding. You're all zombies.

That's a little harsh. Glad to see you though. I'm on a break from posting in order to get in more physical activity but I still look in to see if anything catches my fancy. But I find if I don't post, I don't look in as often and I can get in more exercise, gardening and face time with the people in my life.

I for one have felt an experience or two. I'm also willing to carry on as I will whether that be in chains or otherwise. Like you, I think, I am not willing to understand my self exclusively through the collectively approved templates. I first and foremost am, and I'm in no rush to assign what that means to whatever science has managed to successfully pin down in a laboratory.

Give them hell, Chad. Woot, woot!

(February 16, 2013 at 10:10 pm)ChadWooters Wrote: I suspect you mean to say "No brain, no consciousness."

Unfortunately no one has been able to provide a physical mechanism that links consciousness (however defined) to any unique brain process. It's just an assumption born of naturalistic bias.

Glad to see you back, Chad.

Unfortunately, you are incorrect in assuming the absence of any physical mechanism linked to consciousness and brain processes. It may not be completely understood and explained but the fact that alterations in your brain chemistry affect your consciousness is undeniable. If, as you said in another thread, you are depressed and treat it with drugs, then you should be personally aware of this phenomena.

(February 16, 2013 at 11:47 pm)genkaus Wrote: ...alterations in your brain chemistry affect your consciousness is undeniable. If, as you said in another thread, you are depressed and treat it with drugs, then you should be personally aware of this phenomena.

Your comment displays an appalling lack basic decency. I'm disappointed that you would degrade yourself with such a callous comment. Maybe that's just your way of distracting everyone from the identity theory's complete failure to explain why indistinguishable neural processes correlate with vastly different felt experiences or no experience at all. Oh, wait I forgot. You have faith that someday someone will be able to confirm your bias, since you would never dream of considering possible solutions that would threaten your intellectual commitment to atheism.

(December 15, 2012 at 5:59 pm)Alfred Wrote: Does/Could a cosmic consciousness exist?

Yes. I am part of the cosmos and through me the cosmos is aware of various parts of itself to various degrees.