Comment Re:Flip the switch (Score 1) 247
I don't see how consciousness is a "real" phenomenon. How can you tell by observing whether someone is conscious or is just following a certain set of complicated rules?
If it's real, how do you measure it? I personally believe that consciousness is just a by-product of our brain as a convenient way of formulating models of the real world, but doesn't actually exist. It's so easy to trick the "conscious" mind with false memories or mis-direction, not to mention the clear lag between actions and the conscious decision to make the action (the nerve impulses to move happen before the conscious realisation).
If it's real, how do you measure it? I personally believe that consciousness is just a by-product of our brain as a convenient way of formulating models of the real world, but doesn't actually exist. It's so easy to trick the "conscious" mind with false memories or mis-direction, not to mention the clear lag between actions and the conscious decision to make the action (the nerve impulses to move happen before the conscious realisation).