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These are just some thoughts from Tuesday’s class, in no particular arrangement:

The idea that the mind does not have complete control over the body: Why does the mind need to feel like it is the center?

Why do we say that what we think takes precedence over the sensations that we feel?

Do we keep thinking above physical sensations because it helps to separate us from other animals (because we cannot enquire of them whether they are conscious or not, although if consciousness comes from the neo-cortex, then we are no longer separated from all other animals)?  Do we need to be separate from other animals so that we can survive (that is, so that we don’t over think moral implications of killing them for food…)?

I found it very interesting that when asked whether they would prefer to have a conscience (as opposed to not having a conscience) most of the class raised their hands.  I would be interested in hearing some reasons why.  My thoughts on the matter are that it doesn’t matter either way.  If you have a conscience, you might miss it if you knew that you had to live without it; on the other hand, if you don’t know what you are missing…  I guess that the way that I have expressed my view here illuminates an assumption I seem to have: that having a conscience is somehow better than not having one.  I think perhaps this is because I associate having a conscience or consciousness with meaning, and so gives life a significance, which perhaps is only necessary for those organisms with an “I-function” (if the “I-function” truly serves the purpose that we discussed in class associated with conscience); I assume that it is not a concern to those without because it never comes up in thinking.