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03-16-2007, 1:21 PM keapponlaffin Joined on 03-21-2006 Posts 67 Philosophy of the Mind I respectfully ask that Nick not get involved in this discussion. I believe that Felipe, other members and myself could profit more from a straightforward debate. Nick, obviously have the ability to bring yourself into it, but that will just result in my leaving it. So, for the sake of allowing us to learn from each other, please be respectful and don't post on this thread. On to the important matters... I'm curious about what people think about the mind, and the self. Chalmers convinced me that the mind has to be the product of a functional state. What of the mind after death? Does anyone think that we continue to exist in any meaningful sense after we die? What is the ontological status of consciousness? Is it physical, or something non-physical? Is it a thing at all? Perhaps it is just a property?    Report

03-27-2007, 4:58 AM gonzo Joined on 03-26-2007 Posts 2 Re: Philosophy of the Mind I fully agree with the assertion that the mind is the product of the function of the brain; thought is to the human brain what running is to the muscles of the leg.  I am, however, curious as to why you then ask about the mind after death when you say you were convinced it was the product of a "functional state".  When we die our brains, along with our other muscles and organs, cease to function.  If something is not functioning it cannot be producing; a broken generator cannot produce electricity and a dead brain cannot produce a thought (or consciousness). As for existence after death; are you asking about the existence of our physical, material bodies or are you asking about the possibility of existing as a non-material conscious entity?.  The latter, again, contradicts your initial statement about being convinced that the mind has to be the product of a functional state (I would use the term functional brain as opposed to state but I am assuming it to mean the same thing); when the brain (state) ceases to be functional it ceases to produce.  If you look at it from a different perspective, arguing that consciousness (mind) can exist independantly of the physical brain would be like arguing that running can exist without legs. I would argue that consciousness is not independantly physical nor is it merely just a property;  It is an action or a product of an action that has been performed by your physical brain.  Consciousness would be categorised in much the same way as (again to use my favourite analogy) running, breathing, typing, eating, talking and walking e.t.c. It is another of the many functions (or product of) of the brain. Regards, Gonzo    Report

04-10-2007, 12:43 PM Mr Squiggle Joined on 04-04-2007 Posts 35 Re: Philosophy of the Mind I agree with what Gonzo has said.  This is an area of philosophy that borrows a lot from neuro-science.  The only problem is that there is so much science does not understand about consciousness. I doubt our minds will continue after death of the body, because as Gonzo said, consciousness is a product of the functions of the brain, but there is always the possibility that science will discover something we currently do not know.  Perhaps the electronic impulses generated by the brain are sustained in an self-perpetuating electric field after death?   Of course this is pure sci-fi and there is no evidence of it.    Report

04-13-2007, 5:41 AM MattJ Joined on 02-12-2007 Posts 16 Re: Philosophy of the Mind  Perhaps the electronic impulses generated by the brain are sustained in an self-perpetuating electric field after death?   Of course this is pure sci-fi and there is no evidence of it. Could you elaborate on this point, I am trying to get my head around it. If this be the case, would not electronic impulses be sustained in a self perpetuating electric field before death as well? This is interesting....    Report

04-13-2007, 8:17 AM Mr Squiggle Joined on 04-04-2007 Posts 35 Re: Philosophy of the Mind Matt, I can't really elaborate because there is no science behind it...pure speculation    Report

05-03-2007, 5:17 PM keapponlaffin Joined on 03-21-2006 Posts 67 Re: Philosophy of the Mind Gonzo, I don't actually think the mind continues after death, I just wanted to ask the question to inspire debate on the issue. I am quite inclined to agree with you. Given that the mental states supervene on the brain states, it seems ridiculous to suggest that they could continue existence in the absence of that whcih they are dependent on. You compare the mind to activities like running. There's definitely a similarity, but I think there's a difference as well. The act of walking seems to be a purely physical activity. Your legs aren't conscious themselves. But what of the mind? Do you think that the mind is purely physical as well, or do we need to also believe in something non-physical, like epiphenomenal conscious states?    Report

09-03-2008, 1:01 AM David George DeLancey Joined on 07-06-2007 Posts 48 Re: Philosophy of the Mind Philosophy Of The Mind 12:47 A.M. E.S.T. 9-3-2008 Is the aspects or technique of situational matter, such as if when I Paint A Picture and the description of Music is defrayed. Unless when conscience of it it will be a sequence of thought perhaps flowing through time, for one may imagine when it will happen. When in time it does happen through the listening of it, the effects of remedy would perhaps philosophy the continuance. 12;51 A.M. E.S.T. I don't won't you to worry about me for i;m all right, don't get me wrong, but not on my time. augh but sooner or later you'll sleep in your on space either way you'll wake up with your own smell. Go ahead with your own life leave me alone. Keep it to your self it's my life keep it to yourself it's my life. Come on come on, check check check i can almost remember the funny faces. Check and chair i thought you were always the sergeant major, what a trader. want yet to always love me what with the wind in your hair with a thousand mazes 12:58 a.m. Who's gonna ride that cold three wheeler who's gonna make that first mistake who's gonna go to fire bird lake to fire lake Who's wants to brave those long soft buities liein in the sun    Report

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