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Og · 01-04-2007, 10:51 AM

So, To be a bit more clear.

Memory is stored in physical neurons. Emotional responses are physiological in their entirety. By that, I mean that sensory inputs connect with the structure of your brain to produce outputs.

This is the definition of a causal deterministic system.

A systems next state is based on it's current state, effects from previous states, and the rules that govern it's behavior.

This is the basis of modern science. Systems are causal. Unfolding like billiard balls colliding except on an almost unimaginable scale. This understanding allows us to build computers, the internet, our voice, cars, buildings, bridges. This fundamental understanding of physical systems as causal/deterministic is the foundation of our society.

If there is a "soul" as some sort of concept separate from the physical material of the body, it can ONLY be there as a passive observer. The hindu greeting/salutation of "Namaste" grasps this and has for milenia. They salute the brahman in all things as they understand themselves to be a part of it as well. Just because my skin doesn't extend to include your neurons doesn't make us separate.

There is one intention in the universe. As the universe unfolds, determinism pushes things forward according to physical laws that must be followed in order for our life to exist. There's no option for the laws to just stop working.

We are a gigantic concert of protoplasm pushing forward with an urge to reproduce.

This is what observation tells us. It's not really plausible to think another way that doesn't include these observations. You can't expect to press a key on your keyboard and for a character to appear on the screen without the concept of determinism. You can't open your mouth to speak without determinism. "You" rely on determinism to interact with the world. You expect your parts to behave in a certain way and when you "decide" to make an action, you send signals to your parts that you know will make them do what you "want" them to do.

And this concept branches back into your brain on all levels. 100 billion neurons with 100 trillion connections between them. Complex, and it contains love, pain, consciousness, and every bit that defines "You".

01-04-2007, 10:51 AM	#6 (permalink)
Og Campbellite Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Northern, VA Posts: 2,672	So, To be a bit more clear. Memory is stored in physical neurons. Emotional responses are physiological in their entirety. By that, I mean that sensory inputs connect with the structure of your brain to produce outputs. This is the definition of a causal deterministic system. A systems next state is based on it's current state, effects from previous states, and the rules that govern it's behavior. This is the basis of modern science. Systems are causal. Unfolding like billiard balls colliding except on an almost unimaginable scale. This understanding allows us to build computers, the internet, our voice, cars, buildings, bridges. This fundamental understanding of physical systems as causal/deterministic is the foundation of our society. If there is a "soul" as some sort of concept separate from the physical material of the body, it can ONLY be there as a passive observer. The hindu greeting/salutation of "Namaste" grasps this and has for milenia. They salute the brahman in all things as they understand themselves to be a part of it as well. Just because my skin doesn't extend to include your neurons doesn't make us separate. There is one intention in the universe. As the universe unfolds, determinism pushes things forward according to physical laws that must be followed in order for our life to exist. There's no option for the laws to just stop working. We are a gigantic concert of protoplasm pushing forward with an urge to reproduce. This is what observation tells us. It's not really plausible to think another way that doesn't include these observations. You can't expect to press a key on your keyboard and for a character to appear on the screen without the concept of determinism. You can't open your mouth to speak without determinism. "You" rely on determinism to interact with the world. You expect your parts to behave in a certain way and when you "decide" to make an action, you send signals to your parts that you know will make them do what you "want" them to do. And this concept branches back into your brain on all levels. 100 billion neurons with 100 trillion connections between them. Complex, and it contains love, pain, consciousness, and every bit that defines "You".