From: Platt Holden (pholden@sc.rr.com)
Date: Mon Nov 18 2002 - 15:56:01 GMT
Hi John:
In answer to my question how memory survives changes in brain cells
you wrote:
> A memory is a process involving the activation of a
> distinct (though constantly changing) neural firing
> pattern within a distributed system. It is contained
> within the physical linkages between the relevant
> cells. Each time the memory is recalled it reinforces
> the bond between them, but, of course, memories can be
> forgotten! If you knew what you were looking for you
> could, with a sensitive enough mocroscope, discern the
> shape of a memory, woven like a cobweb in the dense
> tissue of the cortex. As long as the memory remains
> that 'web' will remain.
> (Adapted from Rita Carter - Conciousness - Weidenfeld
> & Nicolson - 2002 pg 153)
>
> I don't understand what your distinction between means
> and meaning has to do with philosophical dualism so
> can't answer the question. That being said, you can't
> have two philosophical dualisms at the same time, for
> the result would be a quadism!
Well, that memory "pattern" or "web" you speak of is a fine example of
"meaning" since it's that pattern (according to your source) that
contains the meaningful memory. The "means" in your description are
the "linkages" and the "cells." (Still not explained is how the linkages
are maintained as cells are replaced over time.)
To clarify, meanings are products of mind. Science says it's only
concerned with means, i.e. mechanism, matter, etc. (Not true, of
course.) That's the relationship to the mind-matter dualism you asked
about.
It's interesting to me that the patterns of memory or "webs" in your
description could be discerned if only one had a sensitive enough
microscope. I take it that such a microscope has yet to be invented
although I believe there are instruments for making atomic patterns
visible which casts doubt on the "sensitive enough" statement. So I take
it that what you describe is educated conjecture yet to be confirmed by
reproducible observation. Is that correct?
Platt
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