X-Message-Number: 16997
From: 
Date: Mon, 16 Jul 2001 11:23:08 EDT
Subject: consciousness is not about function

Olaf Henny writes in part:

<< So where does consciousness begin?
 How do you define its rudimentary function, if not as taking
 action for self-preservation? >>

Consciousness is not (or should not be) defined in terms of function or 
"purpose" or evolutionary processes. Certainly many systems display 
characteristics such as fleeing danger or seeking food, yet could not by any 
reasonable criterion be considered conscious.

Consciousness (or awareness or sentience) is a condition/process not yet 
objectively described, but its essential feature is that it allows or gives 
rise to subjective experience or qualia--in other words, feeling. There may 
or may not be a sharp division between the haves and the have-nots. 

Robert Ettinger
Cryonics Institute
Immortalist Society
http://www.cryonics.org

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