X-Message-Number: 8058
Date: Sun, 13 Apr 1997 00:19:46 -0700 (PDT)
From: Olaf Henny <>
Subject: Mike Perry: Seat of Consciousness 

Re: Message #8041 From Mike Perry <>

Subject: Seat of Consciousness

>In practice we might aim at an  "operational" definition. If, using 
>PET scans, etc. we find that some part of the brain is always 
>active when consciousness is present, is sufficient by itself for 
>consciousness, and no other part of the brain meets either of these 
>two requirements, we could identify that part as the seat of 
>consciousness.

I think defining the parts of the brain that are always active, 
when consciousness is present is the easy part.  The IMHO much 
harder part is to figure out *when* consciousness is present, or 
more importantly, to find a period, when it is not present, what-
ever that is, that we call consciousness.

When we dream, we ascribe subjective characteristics to the 
persons in our dream.  They may do weird things, but they still 
act within the traits and mannerisms we from our own viewpoint 
attribute to them.  Does that mean their consciousness is active?

People who are unconscious for lengthy time periods are said to 
be able to perceive some of the things that are going on around 
them.  Does that mean, that their consciousness is active during 
those times of perceptions?  

If we now assume, that the seat of consciousness is scattered in 
various locations, then is it not possible, that any time there 
is any activity in the brain, it might or might not take place in 
a seat of consciousness? 

Olaf Henny

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