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  • How come ''consciousness doesn't exist'' is so popular among philosophers and scientists today?
    It's fascinating how the asking of a question such as Eugen's can evolve/devolve into personal insults, judgement and calls for moderator action.
    I wonder what intentions lay behind the asking of the question and in the decision to respond to any part of the thread.
    I could speculate that Eugen had noticed that a common theme among scientists and philosophers was a claim that "consciousness does not exist" and it was not an idea supported by his view of the World. I don't know. I don't know who the scientists or philosophers are or how they define consciousness.
    A view of consciousness I'm currently exploring is akin to my experience of reading this thread on my phone. In my busy mind a thought will pop up, an observation, and it will precipitate a question that invites an answer. And the answer may generate a question or lead to a conclusion.

    "Hm, that's another scientist that thinks consciousness doesn't exist"
    "But I'm thinking, feeling, experiencing the World. There is some consciousness that I am aware of that is experiencing"
    "This seems like nonsense, I wonder if other people have noticed this silliness?"

    Tappety-tap on the keyboard.

    What answer is being sought?
    Simple confirmation that what we concluded was correct or an inquisitive exploration of the possible answers?
    What does it mean when someone disagrees or interprets the question differently? Are they an idiot?
    Do some answers stimulate some outrage or frustration that we feel as an attack and demand a defensive or aggressive response?

    Perhaps in these reactionary scenarios consciousness takes a back seat. There is a sensation of positive or negative emotion in response to a stimulus and a reaction. Some would say that in these circumstances we have no choice about how we respond. We have formed a system of beliefs and values which form the basis of our identity. And it is the identity, who we think we are, and the chattering of our brains that is confused as out consciousness.

    The thread is the chatter, the identity, the negative self talk, the outage when our values are violated and the defensiveness when our beliefs are challenged.

    The consciousness is the observer watching this play put on the phone, unattached to thoughts and evident emotions. It is in the present and non-judgemental. It notices the thoughts and emotions, good and bad, but does not confuse it with the identity we believe we are.

    Anyway, the intention of this was to offer a viewpoint that might be interesting and to encourage a respectful and humble approach to discussions. Maybe think about how what you write might be hurtful to others and if you feel outraged by something, try not to take it personally and seek to educate and bridge a gap.

HmmInteresting

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