being the creator as to what goes on in our own “eternity”? And, how do we know that we already haven’t died and are in that “dream-state” right now as we’re writing these questions and answers? Or, would this be impossible without having the human brain/tissue in which to create dreams? I ask this question because I wonder sometimes if dreaming isn’t the closest thing we will ever know to death. Hope that makes sense, and no, I don’t do drugs...just a Tylenol now and then....thanks! PS. Did I enter this type of question in the correct category?
2006-08-30 00:15:49 · 11 answers · asked by Jon R 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Other - Science
Well, scientifically, the brain behaves differently when we sleep, dream or when we're dead. This is why there's such a term called 'legally dead'. When we sleep, our brain is still active and our body also reacts to stimulus. Someone who is dreaming can also be detected from their REM.
Someone can be legally dead when their brain ceases all activities, even if that person is still physically functioning. On the other hand, someone can be clinically dead if their physical body cease to function even if their brain is still functioning.
Spiritually, I believe if you die you will lose any sense of 'self' and awareness of anything. A sense of being that's neither you, me, they, but just 'be'. In a dream, you're still aware of these things, you're sensing things that are not a part of you, you're dream of other things that exists in it's individuality.
So I think dreaming is very different from death.
This question is also appropriate in Philosophy (under Arts & Humanities), since you're touching some Existentialism and Neo-existentialism.
2006-08-30 00:39:52 · answer #1 · answered by loki_niflheim 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually, this is the wrong category. But you'll get a totally different perspective asking a bunch of engineers this question than if you'd asked it in the right section. Besides, I was tired of calculating spherical volumes for kids doing their homework anyway ;-]
Remember, if even the really smart people struggle with answering this, it can't be a dumb question ;-)
Good luck on your journey, and keep asking questions. That's what scientists do...preferably in a way that will confuse engineers. What engineers do is round off all the scientists' calcuations so they can come up with a real answer. That way, they can go back to surfing the Internet until the next project is due. Meanwhile, the philosophers are asking the really important questions...like, "Why are those engineers and scientists making so much money???"
My point is, live, laugh, love, and enjoy. Do keep seeking, but please don't be so serious that you frighten yourself.
2006-09-02 20:59:44 · answer #2 · answered by margo345 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
While it is impossible to say for certain, I think the answer is no. Clearly whatever is going on in your brain when you dream doesn't happen when you are dead. If there is an afterlife, there is no scientific basis for it. I find it best to just not mix religion and science. You just get watered down versions of one or the other.
This was a good category becuase the religion and spirituality section is mostly concenred with what the afterlife is like, not if there is any biological basis for it.
2006-08-30 00:32:13 · answer #3 · answered by abcdefghijk 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When you die your brain tissue dissolves thus your brain ceases to exist therefore you dont dream or think you are just nothing a simple nothing in a very big picture1
If you thought you were a something i hate to tell you in 200 years nobody will care about you 200 years from now is like 1 minute in the bigger picture of things .
so dont beat yourself up over trivial matters like i will live forever in a dream state crap because you wont you are mearly fertiliser for our mother planet!
2006-08-30 00:21:50 · answer #4 · answered by spudster 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, this category is as good as any, but I bet you'd get MUCH different answers in the religion and spirituality category. Dream like state...I guess it is as possible as anything else. Is is possible without the brain tissue? Do you believe that your brain is your soul? Good question. Unanswerable, but mankind (and Women) have always wonder. So, it gave me something to ponder with my coffee. Thanks.
2006-08-30 00:21:46 · answer #5 · answered by just browsin 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i've wondered this myself from time to time. i also wonder if "heaven" is close to a dream-like state. i don't think the brain works after you die (go figure) but perhaps the soul kicks in to what it knows: dreams. this is a wonderful question, although i don't suppose you will know when you've found the correct answer.
2006-08-30 12:29:50 · answer #6 · answered by hmbn 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Bible states that at death we are "conscious of nothing." That being said, we are in a state of inactivity when we die. The Bible also teaches that there are a limited number who go to heaven and that hell is NOT a fiery place of eternal torment. Rather, it is the common grave.
2006-08-30 00:57:18 · answer #7 · answered by pressgeez 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Guess we will find out on day-but I believe mother nature is a kind force and will treat us in a gentle manner. She does make babies cute,The sky blue,and other things nice. We just go along for the ride.
2006-08-30 00:23:14 · answer #8 · answered by super stud 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say it's possible - I'd even go for the theory that the here & now are those dreamscapes, and we are in deed creators of those dreams.
2006-08-30 00:22:16 · answer #9 · answered by Helga J 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No because your brain dies with your body.
2006-08-30 00:20:53 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋