Consciousness and Loss of Consciousness
I wish to present the possibility that violent behaviors exhibited by human beings are not actually products of human nature, but instead are the result of something that isn’t human in origin, rather like a communicable disease. I will use the analogy of the virus.
Genetic information is similar to a computer program in that both are made up of encoded instructions for action. When computers give new, unwanted responses that are different from the original intent of the operating program, the programmer might guess that there is stray information that is directing unwanted behavior. The computer program may be infected with a virus.
Genetic information, as genes, directs molecular or biochemical behavior in order to generate life. When human bodies displays results that are not healthy life function, one of the possible explanations is that the genetic material is infected with virus. Stray, or alien genes are operating, directing action that is counter to life of the host creature.
In the arena of social behavior, we can identify healthy behavior, because all the individuals do well in that context. Behavior opposed to healthy human life takes many forms in society, and shows up dramatically when violence occurs within the home. Consider the possibility that such destructive and usually compulsive behaviors are governed by “pockets of information” which functionally resemble a virus stored in subconscious memory. Thoughts, conscious or subconscious, that prompt violence are analogous to programs that play out against our larger life purposes. Being the recipient of social programming that instills violence patterns is effectively contracting a disease. Let us first consider a simple model for consciousness.
Genetic information is similar to a computer program in that both are made up of encoded instructions for action. When computers give new, unwanted responses that are different from the original intent of the operating program, the programmer might guess that there is stray information that is directing unwanted behavior. The computer program may be infected with a virus.
Genetic information, as genes, directs molecular or biochemical behavior in order to generate life. When human bodies displays results that are not healthy life function, one of the possible explanations is that the genetic material is infected with virus. Stray, or alien genes are operating, directing action that is counter to life of the host creature.
In the arena of social behavior, we can identify healthy behavior, because all the individuals do well in that context. Behavior opposed to healthy human life takes many forms in society, and shows up dramatically when violence occurs within the home. Consider the possibility that such destructive and usually compulsive behaviors are governed by “pockets of information” which functionally resemble a virus stored in subconscious memory. Thoughts, conscious or subconscious, that prompt violence are analogous to programs that play out against our larger life purposes. Being the recipient of social programming that instills violence patterns is effectively contracting a disease. Let us first consider a simple model for consciousness.
The Circle of Consciousness
The mechanics of consciousness play out in a circle. Report is the presentation of data. Report is the sensory presentation, prompted by circumstances, delivered by the cell through the nerve to the brain.
Reception is the successful volley across the synapse into the brain. Successful reception is objective reception: the message is received as transmitted, nothing is added, nothing is taken away.
Integration is the received data being catalogued and sorted by the brain. Integration is successful if space exists in the mental map for the information.
Synthesis is the mental map, and the making of the map. The more the overview presents a cohesive and orderly model, the more easily new data can be integrated. Comprehension becomes natural and effortless.
Response is the action that springs out of comprehension. Circumstances is what the response action affects. If the right response is made, the circumstances improve.
Circumstances have improved when the new or next sensory report brings message of more well-being or relief from pain. The Circle goes around again. The binary question: “Does this feel good?” Yes/no: action.
The basic structure of intelligence lies in the Circle of Consciousness. The simpler the options in synthesis and response, the simpler the intelligence in the creature. A clam can receive data and respond: open and shut. This is simple intelligence. With this, a clam can improve its life circumstances and thrive.
Humans, having higher intelligence, can synthesize a better map. We communicate and make tools: more options for response in different ways. We as humans have vast varieties of ways we can affect circumstances. We learn.
One key to the miracle that is human intelligence is that individuals splice map from one mind to another. The cave baby speeds through epochs of experiments in living by using a simple instinctive routine: bringing the report step of their Circle of Consciousness to the more practiced mind.
The child offers report to be received by the older child or adult. The more experienced one integrates the report into the map that is the cumulative product of prior generations, plus whatever changes that individual has made.
The elder gives feedback, otherwise responds to the child’s report. The child’s attention is poised to receive another bit for his or her functional map. Synthesis is either implied or spelled out, and a new response is added to the child’s repertoire of learned responses. Learning from another has taken place.
We learn directly from experience as well. If we get burned twice, we don’t touch it again. Our synthesized map has improved, as it now includes a warning sign associated with the visual data of the flame, the kinesthetic data of increasing heat, or the auditory data that is the sound of the word ‘Hot’ pronounced with certain inflection.
With this improved map, we now have greater safety. Safety is a function of consciousness. As our consciousness increases, so does our safety increase.
Consciousness is a constant feedback system that provides for safety in the same way that the body immune system provides for health. Indeed, the immune system is an example of consciousness: cellular and systemic ability to report, receive, catalog and compare information, and respond effectively to the events of life.
The increase in consciousness that is systemic immunity is learned. The map that is the repertoire of immune system responses is improved to include symbols to allow recognition of imbalances or pathogens. Routines of response that have proven effective in improving circumstances (pain was stopped) are included, as well.
We can respond more favorably when we more consciously assess the structure of our true circumstances. We start by employing a simple model for consciousness.
