I often hear people claim that the subjective experience of conscious is a process of matter. Examples of such process are: (1) electronic circuits, and (2) computer programs.
I don't dispute that consciousness has a physical basis. But using the analogy of process implies, I think, that electronic circuits and computer programs are also conscious. In other words, every process is conscious.
Perhaps we should limit which processes are conscious. Perhaps only electron flows within neural networks are conscious? But if electrons moving equals consciousness, then all of matter is conscious because electrons are everywhere in the universe and they are all moving.
Also, electronic circuits and computer programs are always confined within the physical laws of nature, of the electrostatic force and quantum mechanics and such. There is no physical law of nature called "the subjective experience of consciousness".
I am not suggesting that there is no physical basis for consciousness; clearly there is. The brain lights up a brief moment before the person is consciously aware of it. And various kinds of damage to the brain affect consciousness.
I find it brash and arrogant to assert, without evidence, that consciousness is material/physical. Why is dualism such a terrifying idea to some people?
I don't dispute that consciousness has a physical basis. But using the analogy of process implies, I think, that electronic circuits and computer programs are also conscious. In other words, every process is conscious.
Perhaps we should limit which processes are conscious. Perhaps only electron flows within neural networks are conscious? But if electrons moving equals consciousness, then all of matter is conscious because electrons are everywhere in the universe and they are all moving.
Also, electronic circuits and computer programs are always confined within the physical laws of nature, of the electrostatic force and quantum mechanics and such. There is no physical law of nature called "the subjective experience of consciousness".
I am not suggesting that there is no physical basis for consciousness; clearly there is. The brain lights up a brief moment before the person is consciously aware of it. And various kinds of damage to the brain affect consciousness.
I find it brash and arrogant to assert, without evidence, that consciousness is material/physical. Why is dualism such a terrifying idea to some people?