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Science Forum Index » Philosophy - Meta Forum » What is the Purpose of Consciousness?
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| Dick |
 Posted: Fri Nov 30, 2007 5:09 am |
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For The journal of Consciousness Studies.
[ What is the Purpose of Consciousness? ]
Well, one would have to ask the instigator of any action as to what
their purpose was for doing this or that thing :- ) However, what can
be deduced or inferred about the 'purpose' (function) of
consciousness.
For starters it would be true to say that without the phenomenon of
consciousness nothing would ever experience anything, and therefore
nothing would know that IT or anything else ever existed. We know
well enough that during dreamless sleep we are aware, conscious, of
nothing at all - complete and utter sweet oblivion. Thus, I
personally would deduce that consciousness exists in order that
something can know something, and of course know of its own existence
too.
But consciousness is a very strange phenomenon in more ways than one;
and one sure cannot see it or stick pins in it; and it does not age;
tis ever new yet ageless and evergreen. We can only assume that the
whole sum of existence, creation, or call it what you will, is one
thing, a holistic primordial unity of some kind, and which CONTAINS
the phenomenon of consciousness itself as a part of that whole.
However, consciousness, by its very existence, automatically issues
forth a duality within that whole. That is to say consciousness
instigates the existence of an Observer and that which it Observes by
way of being conscious; hence an Observer and the Observed.
This of course has always raised the philosophic question as to
whether the tree still exists in the yard if nothing is observing it.
But given that the phenomenon of consciousness is a part of all that
exists then I would hazard the guess that whatever the tree really IS
( the observed) still exists when not being observed by anything but
that it could never be known by anything to exist - other than by
deduction or inference from having observed it. An observer cannot
observe something and not observe it at the same instant. Without an
Observer there would not be an Observed, albeit that there is probably
something extant somehow. Like a ball of unconstructed primordial
nebulous energy maybe.
I have noticed that whenever consciousness is flowing through my being
that I am consciously aware of something. Well, two things really, the
ME that is doing the observing (although that cannot be seen) and that
which it is observing. Even if one is sitting with ones eyes shut in
the dark (there is also inner vision by the way) and not thinking
about anything one is still consciously aware of existing. But, when
oblivion comes in dreamless sleep - then nothing, no awareness of even
existing. Quite magic and mysterious stuff really is it not. Go
figure. Thus, one can only deduce that the reason for consciousness is
that existence can become aware of itself; and albeit in a dualistic
form within the sum of the whole. And what is a sunset without me to
observe it and enjoy it? Not a lot - just an unknown package of
primordial energy. But IT needs ME in order to become what it can
become as an observed phenomenon. Something or other issues forth our
existence (I have no idea what exactly) but what do we do for IT ?
Well it seems to me, that on a good day, we fulfil it.
Perhaps an even better question would be... Why is anything given life
and conscious existence in the first place? For tis hard work is it
not. But good fun nonetheless, well, some of the time anyway :- )
Maybe it is just the way things are. Emmm, How, Why, When and Where?
Tis all fascinating is it not. Where does existence Exist? Out there
and in here. But beyond that - Pass !
But, in the final analysis, and being a rank pragmatist, and taking it
is axiomatic that consciousness exists anyway, then I was always more
interested in as to what exists for consciousness to become conscious
of. So, here I am LIFE, all ready willing, conscious and raring to
go; and even though I did not ask to exist. So, OK LIFE, what do you
have to offer me for the rude intrusion upon my sweet oblivion? And
therein is a long and fascinating story.
Regards,
Dick Richardson
http://www.psychognosis.net (for the story) |
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| nth |
| Posted: Sat Dec 01, 2007 2:02 am |
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| Per Blomqvist |
| Posted: Mon Dec 03, 2007 2:57 pm |
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nth wrote:
And that is? Good or bad? Did you read the book?? Why did he publish the
whole book online???
(maybe it isn't healthy to venture too deep into meditations. A zilloin
years in tree hours, sounds a tremendous agony to me)
I once read a book about hypnoses, it just helped me overcome my
sleeping problems. Relaxing exercises was good, breathing things... etc.
--
Mvh, Per Blomqvist
Web: http://phoohb.shellkonto.se
Telnr: +46 70-3355632 |
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| nth |
| Posted: Sat Dec 08, 2007 8:00 am |
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On Mon, 03 Dec 2007 19:57:45 +0100, Per Blomqvist wrote:
Quote: nth wrote:
i learnt nothing.
And that is? Good or bad? Did you read the book?? Why did he publish the
whole book online???
(maybe it isn't healthy to venture too deep into meditations. A zilloin
years in tree hours, sounds a tremendous agony to me)
I once read a book about hypnoses, it just helped me overcome my
sleeping problems. Relaxing exercises was good, breathing things... etc.
yeah i need help with sleep, its all.. erratic and
insomniatic. |
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