Considering, somewhat simplistically, levels of consciousness as put
forward by Oakley (1985).
Simple awareness;
(reflexes, classical conditioning).
Found in simple nervous systems and in subcortical structures in more
advanced systems.
Consciousness;
(complex learning, reasoning, memory).
Found in advanced nervous systems with developed limbic system and
cortex.
Self-awareness;
(self-image, self-concept).
Found in nervous systems with highly evolved cortex structures (humans,
other primates [& dolphins?])
I noticed this discussed, with the (mainly implicit) suggestion made
that self-awareness is the highest [possible] state of consciousness.
Discuss,
- whether you agree.
- if not, the next one or more levels might be.
- whether the first addition should be the state in which one recognises
the higher levels [may] exist.
- or perhaps, more generally, the recognition that one's viewpoint may
be (or, more accurately, *is*, wrong or at best incomplete).
Martin
-- -----[ Martin J. Ling ]-----[ http://www.nodezero.org.uk ]-----
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 : Thu Jul 27 2000 - 14:12:34 MDT