chikoka wrote:David Quinn wrote:chikoka wrote:
To which comes the question, if the operation of the brain is identical between a zombie (traditional physicalism) and that of what obviously has a consciousness then they are the same thing.Since (i know) obviously i'm not a zombie we are forced into accepting some kind of ontological dualism for the mind/brain which qsr seems to be against.
If one brain generates consciousness and another one doesn't, they are not identical.
I mean if substituting a zombie or a consciousness in *the same human* makes no difference to the behavior (or anything else in the universe) then they are the same.
Can't argue with that. But it looks like you are basing all these thoughts on the idea that consciousness is superfluous. As far as I can see, consciousness plays a major role in the way we receive and organize information about the world.
On the other hand, sleeping walking is an interesting phenomenon in that it involves people being able to navigate around the world without actually being conscious, and one could possibly argue from this that consciousness is superfluous. But then again, I doubt that a sleep walker is in a position to learn new things and increase his understanding of the world, let alone implement changes to his behaviour and lifestyle when circumstances demand. I would hazard a guess that a sleep-walker is not really unconscious of the world as such, but his memory is not functioning.
My question is does consciousness mimic the "billiard ball" mechanical universe we are familiar with.
Yes, but instead of billiard balls think of chemical reactions, electronic pulses, data processing, feedback loops, the strengthening or weakening of neural pathways, alert triggers (emotions), etc.
and how would it differ if all the mechanical activities in the brain continued without the need for a user(i.e. it was a zombie). Choices would still be made just like how a kettle can "choose" to turn of once the water starts boiling.
It is in the learning and adapting part of our lives that consciousness performs its main role, it seems to me. When you first learn to ride a bike, you have to concentrate hard on things like your speed, steering and balance. But after a few more times, you never have to give it any more of your attention.
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