Different in degree or kind: Sapiens begin brain use (Introduction)

by David Turell , Saturday, October 15, 2016, 15:18 (2961 days ago) @ dhw

dhw: What do you mean by “use of consciousness”? I have tried to point out the implications of your dualism, according to which the brain does not give rise to consciousness but implements instructions given by consciousness.

In my view, with no strict training in the philosophy of dualism, consciousness is an instrument our brain receives to use as we will through our ability to use our brain. This implies my belief in free will. Plasticity of our brain magnifies the individuality of our personal consciousness. Our brain is material but consciousness remains immaterial, but a part of human consciousness (Sheldrake), and a part of universal consciousness (God).

dhw:For a dualist the brain has to be the tool used by consciousness, not the tool that uses consciousness.

For me as above, the other way round.

dhw: And yes, I am suggesting the cell communities respond to the demands made by consciousness.

And I agree that we consciously modify our brains through plasticity.

dhw: You say God changed the genome in advance and that gave rise to new needs and opportunities (= humans learned how to use the new structure); I suggest (theistic version) that God gave organisms the means to change their genome in response to new needs and opportunities.

And we have agreed there might be an inventive mechanism given by God, mine with guidelines, yours entirely autonomous.