Do our brains create consciousness, or did consciousness create our brains as a conduit for its expression?

Question

We have not proven the former, so could the latter potentially be an equally valid assumption to make?

Answer 1

It's same as saying do different classes create university or does university create different classes? Consciousness is an abstract concept just like an university is non-tangible where you can't simply point it out but have to look at it collectively.

Answer 2

You pose an interesting question. I think higher level of consciousness are probably examples of evolution. But where does consciousness actually begin? Is the correct definition for consciousness the capacity for abstract thought? If this is not an acceptable definition, then when can one seperate DNA mechanics from more advanced nerve centers like that of an ant? Does an ant have consciousness?

What I am getting at is that the answer is probably none of the above. (from your question) I would say consciousness is a product of evolution, starting from the mechanics of the DNA, to the procedural mind of an ant, to the innovate minds of mammals, there is a progression to be seen. (The ability to innovate requires consciousness. Innovation moves much quicker than evolution, increases fitness, and thus is a product of evolution. This is why humans do so well.)

Unless you are religous, then god did it all ;)

Answer 3

The process is a chemical one. Medications work as the change the chemical balance of the body/mind to create desired states.

The does not create consciousness, rather a chemical process exists. So long as the process continues, so too will consciousness. Interrupt the chemical process and a wide variety of outcomes become possible including death.

Answer 4

consciousness can come from spirit - not necessarily our brain. Its just that without the brain, there is no way to express consciousness being that it controls our motor and sensory systems. Who knows if consciousness has anything at all to do with our brain. it could lay somewhere in our DNA....

PET scans light up with thought processes, but it could be just our brain reacting to consciousness as opposed to it being the origin of it.

Answer 5

I'm going with the former. It seems logical to me that the constantly evolving brain, becoming increasingly complex and sophisticated. Consciousness would, at some point, be a logical progression.

Answer 6

So why did this magical consciousness wait for 400 million years to find a brain to inhabit?

Answer 7

The primer.

Answer 8

I don't know and neither do the scientists.