What Is the Biological Basis of Consciousness?

Answer 1

Kyle, if you can figure this one out, you best write a very long book about it. Science has been working on this for a long time. Obviously, the cerebral cortex has something to do with it, but not all. Awareness, specificially self-awareness, is a slippery fish. I will not give you Wikipedia links, you probably already have them.

Rather, look up Julian Jaynes and his work on the Bicameral Mind. Early work but interesting. He thought that once upon a time the two halves of our brains were not very interconnected, that we received messages from the right half as mystical experiences, shamanic insight. The books he wrote are incredibly hard to read.

I will see what else I can dig up for you. Great question. The work on this is ongoing.

Answer 2

Like others have said here ... I also am of the understanding that we have no real grasp scientifically of the how or where of consciousness not to mention the biological basis thereof ! So to somewhat answer your question, there may not be a biological basis (or beginnings) to our consciousness.

I am from the sect which theorize that our biological component/s (ie. The Brain and our senses) are simply filters for our actual consciousness. I agree with those who state that our consciousness flows from a "higher place". That it may be related to a quantum effect and in its nature more holographic than anything else. Especially in the light of many modern scientific experiments proving that our thoughts can actually change out-comes and odds in many circumstances. And that we can even effect physical matter with our minds!

To better understand this I would highly recommend "The Holographic Universe" by Micheal Talbot which puts things in easy to understand laymen terms and is a very entertaining and enlightening read.

Answer 3

Our consciousness seems to be connected with our bio electric nature.
Electrical/Magnetic activity can be measured, and related to various thoughts and feelings.
When a severe shock occurs one frequently loses consciousness, although this is a different usage of the word than I believe you intended.
Hospitals use various electrical reading devices to keep track of your health. And much has been written about other uses and other devices that are more accurate and sensitive, than these.
The U.S. military under DARPA has been conducting tests of devices that will allow pilots to fly by thought alone. One might say these devices allow you to communicate directly with your consciousness.

Answer 4

At this point, nobody knows. It is even difficult to define exactly what consciousness means, let alone get a good theory about how it works. I would suggest books by Daniel Dennet and/or Steven Pinker for some recent specualtion.

Answer 5

There is no accepted explanation. Some neurologists believe it has to do with the "bicameral" brain (having two lobes) communicating with each other.

Research has shown that the brain actually knows things before we are conscious of knowing it, which to me implies that that theory is incorrect. Consciousness has considerable value to us, but exactly what its purpose was originally remains a mystery.

Answer 6

I think and can contomplate the existance of consciousness... therefor I exist and I am conscious.

Answer 7

Consciousness may only be memory ..
A dOt of LIGHT !!
Then, slips away where we exist with
peripheral parameters ...
or.. nOt !!

Answer 8

Nobody knows. Quantum effects? God?

Answer 9

I think there is not..
As software is not a part of hardware.