Evolution and humans: more on learning to read (Evolution)

by Balance_Maintained , U.S.A., Wednesday, November 07, 2018, 02:15 (2207 days ago) @ dhw

DAVID’s comment: We know this study but the description of the active brain changes is certainly interesting, making brain plasticity quite clear.

DHW: Thank you for this more detailed account. Yes, we know the brain is plastic. It is also clear that the brain changes IN RESPONSE to new concepts and activities, and not in advance of them. I would extend this principle to the whole of evolution. The cells of the brain and the body respond to new demands and do not change in anticipation of them. However, it is also important to note that the plasticity of the brain does not explain how concepts originate, i.e. these observations do not solve the problem of the source of consciousness (materialism v dualism).

Except that the sympathetic nervous system engages in preparation for an event, and the alterations can become part of the programming and be considered via epigenetics.

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What is the purpose of living? How about, 'to reduce needless suffering. It seems to me to be a worthy purpose.