That article shows several points: (1) The experts on the subject don't agree on
basic issues. (2) They are afraid that too much criticism of one theory will cause
neuroscientists to consider all theories dubious. (3) They don't have \clear criteria
for what kinds of observations would or would not be considered relevant to the issues.
But I want to mention some questions I have: What parts of the brain are relevant for
any sensation of consciousness? All parts? Some parts? Some parts more than others?
Which ones?
From common experience, we know that complex activities require a great deal of conscious
attention when we're first learning them. But after we learn them, they become almost
automatic, and we can perform them without thinking about them. Examples: Learning to
ski vs. skiing smoothly on moderate hills vs skiing on very steep or complex surfaces.
The same issues apply to any kind of skill: driving a car, driving a truck, flying a
plane, swimming, dancing, skating, mountain climbing, working in any profession of any
kind -- indoors, outdoors, on a computer, with any kinds of tools, instruments,
conditions, etc.
In every kind of skill, the basic techniques become automatic and can be performed with a
minimum of conscious attention. There is strong evidence that the effort in the cerebrum
(/AKA cerebral cortex) is conscious, but expert skills are controlled by the cerebellum,
which is not conscious. There is brief discussion of the cerebellum in Section6.pdf (see
the latest excerpt I sent, which is dated 28 Sept 2023).
For more about the role of the cerebellum, see the article and video of a man who was born
without a cerebellum and survived: A Man's Incomplete Brain Reveals Cerebellum's
Role In Thought And Emotion.
https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2015/03/16/392789753/a-man-s-inco…
John
----------------------------------------
From: "Nadin, Mihai" <nadin(a)utdallas.edu>
Dear and respected colleagues:
The issue does not go away:
https://theconversation.com/consciousness-why-a-leading-theory-has-been-bra…
I have no dog in this race!
Mihai Nadin
https://www.nadin.ws
https://www.anteinstitute.org
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