Evolution of Consciousness I
R. Mould
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that psycho-physical parallelism requires an interaction in which consciousness is a causal agent as real as the molecules and atoms of the system. The author proposes a deterministic model in which consciousness is both cause and effect yet still reflects the experience of choice, and discusses PET scan and rat autoradiography experiments designed to show that consciousness influences narcotic concentrations in the brain. |
Abstract
The existence of a psycho-physical parallelism in humans and other conscious creatures requires an “interaction” between subjectivity and physiology, where consciousness is as much a casual agent as the molecules and atoms of the system. This interaction is illustrated in the fanciful case of an ancient fish that has a “painful” experience and a corresponding physiological response. The model gives consciousness properties of both cause and effect that are deterministic; and yet, it reflects our experience of having choice. Experiments are discussed involving PET scans with humans and autoradio-graphies with rats. They are designed to demonstrate the influence of consciousness on concentrations of narcotics in the brain.