Lesson 1 what is consciousness

States of Consciousness

Sunday, 22 January 2012

Briefly describe the work of Rene Descartes and William James

Explain the term ‘consciousness’?

Explain consciousness as a psychological construct

Outcomes (What you need to know and be able to do)


Are you conscious?


Are you conscious?

How do you know?


For the next 5 min you are to write every thought that pops into you head.


For the next 5 min you are to write every thought that pops into you head.

Consciousness is – personal, selective, continuous and changing


Consciousness refers to the awareness of one’s own existence and mental activities (including thoughts, sensations, and feelings) and of objects and events in the external world.


William James

How is human consciousness like a stream


William JamesConsciousness includes everything we are aware of, including our own existence.

It is like a stream, i.e constant flow of images, sensations and thoughts, etc.

Consciousness is continually changing, personal and selective

It has an evolutionary-based role that enhances our ability to adapt to the environment.


Rene Descartes

Consciousness includes everything we are aware of, including our own existence (but our senses can’t be trusted, so we need to rely on thinking).

Thinking provides evidence of our consciousness and knowledge of our own existence, e.g. ‘I think, therefore I am’.

Consciousness is of the mind (i.e. ‘soul’) and can exist in the body as it does not take up space.

The mind (non-physical) and body (physical) are separate and different things but interact via the pineal gland in the brain (dualism)


RECAP


Lesson 1 what is consciousness

Spiritual

Transcript of Lesson 1 what is consciousness