Okay, here goes. Just for fun/torture, let’s contemplate our notion of “Consciousness.”
First, a definition:
Consciousness: in a biological entity, the quality
or state of being aware (i.e., having knowledge or perception of a situation or
fact), including self-awareness.
Next, some valid (?) considerations/arguments on the subject:
1. Generally speaking, we know the “mechanics” of what our consciousness
is seemingly built on/made of (i.e., what materials/matter and electrical
impulses/forces are needed to spark(?) consciousness in an organic
entity.
However, we have not yet managed to create life from
lifelessness (i.e., biological “life force” from inert matter), nor have we created
apparent consciousness in a non-biological entity form, though we are diligently
working on it, with AI projects.
2. There is no categorical scientific proof or even any
reasonable indication of continued consciousness after the death of a previously
conscious entity. Such is only
spoken/thought of hypothetically/philosophically (as in hearsay, belief
systems, wishful thinking, circumstantial evidence, etc.).
3. All judgments/evaluations of consciousness are based upon
the only reference point to which we (conscious entities) have access; our
currently experienced, albeit limited realm.
We use said consciousness to evaluate consciousness (i.e., use the thing
to evaluate the thing). So, any
conclusions we make, regarding consciousness, are seemingly only valid within
that limited context.
However, we can and do try to extrapolate other conclusions about consciousness, or anything else for that matter, based on our limited access. As humans, it is our modus operandi. Whether such extrapolations are ultimately true or false is not yet known, or may never be known, or may not be knowable, while limited to our current realm. Indeed, the fact that there is existence itself seems incredible (emotional statement). Why should/must existence exist (i.e., why is there something rather than nothing)?
4. A simple logical argument connecting consciousness to humans:
P1: Consciousness exists
P2: Humans have consciousness
C: Therefore, existence with consciousness is not just possible but actually does happen (or, as one famous scientist put it, “If something happens, it must be possible”)
However, an…the… important question that begs
to be asked is, “Does consciousness happen only because we exist?” Is consciousness a symbiotic relationship
where we are its necessary host?
If not, can consciousness exist on its own, outside our familiar realm, without
a host? Is that really IMpossible??
5: We are fundamentally just a collection of unified particles and forces, working in tandem, and that give us/enable our consciousness. Everything else about us might be something we’d call “embellishments.” 😉
__________
__________
Okay, enough mumbo-jumbo.
It’s time to bring YOU, a conscious entity, into the act. Granted, the conversation is much more complicated
than what I’ve portrayed. That is also
a given. 😉 There really seems to be no end
(or beginning) to what consciousness is.
But, keeping in mind the above five considerations I’ve listed, here comes the punchline (finally!):
Now, I’m not talking about religion here, or advocating for holy
book type beliefs in this OP, so please, let’s not go there! That is a different conversation than what I’m
looking to have. And I’m not trying to talk
you into anything with my suggestions. I’m
just asking you to consider/rethink your position regarding the OP question,
without fear of favor (as they say in the law).
Please re-read it again now and take time to seriously think about it. Then give us your thoughts.
Simply put, I’m asking why reject continued consciousness out
of hand just because you, you lowly creature you, see no evidence? Is that a “good enough/valid” reason for
rejection? Just because you (a skeptic)
see no evidence of something doesn’t negate it.
True? So why do you limit/prejudge
consciousness as to something only in the here and now? Is that not an illogical stance to
take?
(by Primal “your lovable semi-skeptic” Soup)
_______________________________
*skep·tic
noun
- 1.
a person inclined to question or doubt accepted opinions.
"this argument failed to convince the
skeptics"
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