The Matter of the Mind

[nfotxn]

From cbc.ca:

Today's science can explain everything from the whirl of galaxies to the dance of subatomic particles. Only recently have scientists turned their attention inward to investigate the deepest mystery of all: the puzzle of human consciousness. How exactly does the brain --three pounds of soggy gray matter -- give rise to thought, the mind? Dan Falk speaks with neuroscientists, psychologists, physicists, and philosophers as they search for the link between matter and mind.

I was listening to Ideas on CBC Radio 1 tonight at dinner and was being absolutely fascinated by the quaity of the program. Different perspectives were presented from great minds, debated and made digestable to a somebody who isn't exactly [sic] no scientologist. And I thought to myself "Damn, what the fuck would I be doing if we didn't have the CBC?"

I guess the same could go for PBS (damn their viewership pledge telethons!) in the states.

Comments

[etherlad.livejournal.com]

One theory, postulated by Robert J. Sawyer (http://www.sfwriter.com) in his book "Factoring Humanity," was that (I'm going by memory, book is not at hand) cell walls in the brain have various little holes in them for transmission of chemicals and whatnot.

But it was proposed that these may also be functioning like the double-slit light experiment, where light interferes with itself. So essentially, our brains function as quantum computers (of a sort). I thought it was rather keen.

[nfotxn.livejournal.com]

That was covered! The concept of consciousness as an epic function of the evolution of the brain as a survival device. Epic functions were described as by-products of other functions that have their own significance. Like the steam from a steam engine, it isn't the steam that powers the engine but it's significant to us as an emotional and contextual attachment to our concept of a steam powered locomotive engine.

[etherlad.livejournal.com]

Maaan, I really wish I had caught this show. (:

[nfotxn.livejournal.com]

You can order a tape and a transcript from the CBC! Although that part of their website seems to be 404 right.

*looks at the telephone*... ya think?

[etherlad.livejournal.com]

PRobably not until the business day starts.

If it weren't for CBC radio I wouldn't be able to steal old Air Farce Jokes like this one

[plaidninja.livejournal.com]

COMING UP NEXT:
NOTIONS
The Program With Topics Not Good Enough To Be Ideas!

[abbazabba.livejournal.com]

In my experience, I get the best information from listening to NPR's Morning Edition and All Things Considered.

And yes, damn the membership telethons.

[brucelloyd.livejournal.com]

"Anything that cannot be proved by science is merely opinion."

I forget who said this.. but for some reason I felt like repeating it.