Hullo Gerhard and all,
I enjoyed reading your summary of Norretranders book.
A few comments.
Gerhard: "Libet observed that the brain seems to prepare
for a planned action a half second before we realise we have chosen to
perform the action. We don't notice this time lag because the mind
back-peddles and makes it appear that we are on sync."
In the article I quoted in response to Platt, (Quantum Consciousness)Penrose
suggests that Libet's observations are invalid, because in quantum
computation time can run in either direction, hence the time lag is not
significant. I have no real views on this, since I am no physicist.
Your division of consciousness into the conscious 'I' and the more reflexive
'me' seems on the face of it to be useful. If you are right that the 'me'
corresponds to Pirsig's biological level of experience, then I would argue
that quality at this level is indeed hardwired into our mental structures,
in that our brains operate to identify what is of help or hindrance to us as
organisms.
There are so many problems with language in discussing consciousness that I
find it hard to respond further without getting into a detailed analysis of
the words 'consciousness' and 'self-consciousness', which I have no time for
now.
The free will issue came up about a year ago, I think, and there was quite a
bit written about it then. I guess it is in the archives.
As an ENTP you are probably heavily outnumbered by INTP types such as
myself, who tend to dominate these discussion groups, and are similarly
addicted to intellectual ideas. When the group was surveyed about a year
ago, almost everyone who revealed their personality type was an INTP, which
is certainly interesting given that this type forms only about 1% of the
population. It is also interesting that very few women get involved. Ken
Wilber asserts that 95% of participants in these forums are men, whom he
calls cyber warriors. He is scathing about the quality of such debates. I
find there are periods of good sense, but they are soon overtaken by
personal abuse and name calling. I stay around while I feel there is some
quality in the discussion.
Regards
John B
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