2007-11-05 10:42:23 · 9 answers · asked by hydcal2000 1 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
The brain is set up to receive signals from the outside. These come to it from the 5 senses. Yes, it is chemical and electrical as one answerer says, but this is not the essence of consciousness.
The essence is that these received signals become perceptions. Perceptions are not what is sensed; perceptions are what the mind makes of those senses, what it determines them to be. This is done with epistemology, which is turned on at birth and is hard wired to begin working at birth.
Concepts are also part of consciousness. Concepts are the integration of two or more perceptions into a new idea, thought, whatever you want to call it. Concepts are all metaphysical. Every word in every language except for proper names is a concept, representing an idea.
So consciousness is created in the brain when it perceives that it has received sensations from the outside. If nothing outside existed, there would be no consciousness.
There can be no consciousness if there is nothing to be conscious of. This is epistemological proof that objective, empirical reality exists.
2007-11-05 13:12:27 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No one answer, but several very intriguing possibilities lie waiting for you if you are willing to do more than post it on YA.
One possibility lies with the descriptions from Buddhism. Fascinating and jiving with 21st century neurobiology of the brain.
Another possibility is that consciousness is a fundamental quality of matter, like heat or movement.
Seriously, I have spent a long time reading about this stuff. It's worth delving into.
Good luck!
;-)
2007-11-05 12:28:33 · answer #2 · answered by WikiJo 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A scientist or psychologist will probably tell you that chemistry and electrons are the basis of consciousness. Some people say that the soul (which is not physical) is the basis of consciousness.
Depending on which you believe will make you either a materialist or a religious person.
2007-11-05 10:47:07 · answer #3 · answered by Seosamh 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
All animals are conscious of their surroundings, and the other animals. Human consciousness begins with "self consciousness". From there it is unlimited.
2007-11-05 10:54:51 · answer #4 · answered by phil8656 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
human consciousness is the part that God has made us in his image
2007-11-05 10:45:38 · answer #5 · answered by Black Ninja12 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
A better question is whats behind this point and level system Yahoo has going here...what a time waster that I cant just give someone a decent answer to their problem....no I have to go chasing questiong and give a million answers to questions before I can even give a silly thumbs up or thumbs down...good grief!! I just wanted to give this lady a thumbs up!!!
Sigh.
2007-11-05 10:49:00 · answer #6 · answered by deanna_deanna2003 2 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Everything that it ever saw, heard, and did. It stores your whole life, so be careful in what you do because it can kill you in the end. Do unto others as you would do unto you.
2007-11-05 11:21:28 · answer #7 · answered by ? 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A fully functioning brain.
2007-11-05 10:54:33 · answer #8 · answered by Judo Chop 4 · 0⤊ 3⤋
I do not know, sub conscious?
2007-11-05 10:46:23 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋