In J.J.C Smart’s
“Sensations and Brain Processes,” he explains that there’s no difference
between mental states and brain processes in terms of what we experience.
Neither have non-physical properties, only physical ones. However, they aren’t
necessarily the same thing. A brain process might be what happens in the body
that results in the actual feeling of a sensation. A mental state would be the
sensation itself like a pain in your arm or hearing a concerto. The difference
lies in the scientific connection within the body that might explain our
anatomy like a kind of mechanical instrument. Something physical happens to the
body, which causes the nervous system to bring about a mental sensation. It’s
difficult to describe such a feeling, however, making them harder to classify.
This is where I became lost. Smart wants to say that since we cannot exactly
say what these feelings are, they
can’t be non-physical properties. Since they have properties that appear to be
similar to physical properties, Smart concludes that these sensations must be
purely physical. I suppose that the amount of time it takes for you to have a
brain process and then a mental sensation is so small that they are essentially
the same things for all intents and purposes. The after image example he brings
up is interesting because it is one of the very few sensations that we can
actually witness for ourselves and describe it in terms of color, something we
use to describe physical things all the time. However, that doesn’t necessarily
mean those after images are real physical things, it only means the sensation
we are having at the time is real.
The "Earth" without "Art" is just "Eh."
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Mary Had a Little Problem
If Mary is raised in a “completely
black and white room,” then does she also eat black and white food? Will she
live her entire life in that room without ever cutting herself accidentally,
seeing the color of her eyes in a mirror, or see the color of her blood
vessels? Will she never experience the mental process of smelling her own feces
or seeing the color of her urine? Will she never happen upon the scientific
explanations of refractive light and the color spectrum in her studies? I
suppose that would be what Jackson would define as “knowledge how rather than
knowledge that.” Nevertheless, it is an interesting hypothetical into the
distinction between having knowledge about something and having an actual
mental brain process. Of course Mary could experience the colors of her own
body, but she wouldn’t know how to identify with them unless she happens to
read that blood is the color of apples and fire trucks and while sunflowers are
the color of urine. Mary could possess a list of things that are of a certain
color, but she would only come to classify these objects under the same
category. My question is, what if Mary’s definition of red is based on a black
and white photo of an apple. Would she develop the wrong definition of the
color red if she were to happen upon a green apple as she is released? In which
case, she would finally experiences the ‘qualia’ of an object, but subsequently
create the wrong definition of that color in her head. However, Jackson’s point
is that she could know everything there was to know about a color, but it would
be impossible to teach her the experience
of seeing that color. Therefore, we can draw a distinction between understanding
reality and having the experience of a mental process.
Favorite Movie Quotes
1-You're not your job. You're not how much money you have in the bank. You're not the car you drive. You're not the contents of your wallet. You're not your fucking khakis. You're the all-singing, all-dancing crap of the world.
2-We are not born equal sinners, or perfect knock-offs of God. The world tells us whether we're heroes or victims. But, we can decide for ourselves
3-Aw man the car just committed suicide.
4-I'm a guy. You give me a two popsicle sticks and a rubber band and I'll find a way to fuck it like a filthy MacGyver!
5-You saw that, since this is my last words on Earth, I just wanna say, Mom, Dad, I love you and if you find "Busty Beauties" under my bed, it wasn't mine. I'm holding it for Miles. No, No, wait that... Okay, that's not true. It's mine and Uncle Charles gave it to me. I'm sorry.
6-She could probably derail a train, she could probably turn a train into a talking duck.
7-Money and women. The reasons for make most mistakes in life. Looks like you've mixed up both.
8-You know, if you live hard and play hard and you burn the candle at both ends, you pay the price for it. You know in this life you can loose everything you love, everything that loves you. Now I don't hear as good as I used to and I forget stuff and I aint as pretty as I used to be but god damn it I'm still standing here
9-The way your dad looked at it, this watch was your birthright. He'd be damned if any slopes gonna put their greasy yellow hands on his boy's birthright, so he hid it, in the one place he knew he could hide something: his ass.
10-Frank, how many of these guys have been with you long enough to be disgruntled, huh? Think about it. You don't pay much, you know. It's almost a fuckin' feudal enterprise. The question is, and this is the only question, who thinks that they can do what you do better than you?
11-I went with Chazz who you forgot to tell me is totally insane. He also might be a genius because it actually does work, he's cleaning up.
12-How bout a magic trick!
13-You've gotta wait till the seed grows into a plant. Then you've gotta fuck the plant.
14- If you do not wish to have your valuables stolen I suggest destroying them or discarding them right now. You can also try hiding your valuables. In your anus. This will deter some but of course not all thieves.
15-You fuckin' tree-hugger. IS THIS YOUR SPECIAL BUSH?
Never mind. Forget it, I really don't feel like gettin' stabbed tonight
2-We are not born equal sinners, or perfect knock-offs of God. The world tells us whether we're heroes or victims. But, we can decide for ourselves
3-Aw man the car just committed suicide.
4-I'm a guy. You give me a two popsicle sticks and a rubber band and I'll find a way to fuck it like a filthy MacGyver!
5-You saw that, since this is my last words on Earth, I just wanna say, Mom, Dad, I love you and if you find "Busty Beauties" under my bed, it wasn't mine. I'm holding it for Miles. No, No, wait that... Okay, that's not true. It's mine and Uncle Charles gave it to me. I'm sorry.
6-She could probably derail a train, she could probably turn a train into a talking duck.
7-Money and women. The reasons for make most mistakes in life. Looks like you've mixed up both.
8-You know, if you live hard and play hard and you burn the candle at both ends, you pay the price for it. You know in this life you can loose everything you love, everything that loves you. Now I don't hear as good as I used to and I forget stuff and I aint as pretty as I used to be but god damn it I'm still standing here
9-The way your dad looked at it, this watch was your birthright. He'd be damned if any slopes gonna put their greasy yellow hands on his boy's birthright, so he hid it, in the one place he knew he could hide something: his ass.
10-Frank, how many of these guys have been with you long enough to be disgruntled, huh? Think about it. You don't pay much, you know. It's almost a fuckin' feudal enterprise. The question is, and this is the only question, who thinks that they can do what you do better than you?
11-I went with Chazz who you forgot to tell me is totally insane. He also might be a genius because it actually does work, he's cleaning up.
12-How bout a magic trick!
13-You've gotta wait till the seed grows into a plant. Then you've gotta fuck the plant.
14- If you do not wish to have your valuables stolen I suggest destroying them or discarding them right now. You can also try hiding your valuables. In your anus. This will deter some but of course not all thieves.
15-You fuckin' tree-hugger. IS THIS YOUR SPECIAL BUSH?
Never mind. Forget it, I really don't feel like gettin' stabbed tonight
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
The Achilles Dream
I realized one day that everyone wants to be remembered somehow.
It's what drives our primal need to procreate.
To do something with our lives.
To beat our own mortality.
Let me explain. Me and my friend Todd were walking around the school taking pictures for yearbook.
The first five people we come across started screaming "Hey coz take a pictuure!!!" while posing with some stupid perky face and 2 peace signs.
As photographers we're usually told to stay away from this type of thing since candid photos are usually more aesthetically pleasing than ones that are posed.
It seems to be in people's nature to want to be remembered, though.
whether its in a yearbook
a desk, a tree, or a wall.
We all want something that separates ourselves from the rest of society.
Something that younger people can look at in the future and see how cool you were with your stupid peace sign.
We all want a legacy but we try to create them in the most unnecessary places.
To be remembered, you need to do something that no one else can do.
You need to work past the high water mark of expectations that are drawn for you by society.
Exceed even your own expectations for improvement.
And by doing so, you may even notice you've changed in the process.
Who knows, you might even get your picture in the newspaper.
It's what drives our primal need to procreate.
To do something with our lives.
To beat our own mortality.
Let me explain. Me and my friend Todd were walking around the school taking pictures for yearbook.
The first five people we come across started screaming "Hey coz take a pictuure!!!" while posing with some stupid perky face and 2 peace signs.
As photographers we're usually told to stay away from this type of thing since candid photos are usually more aesthetically pleasing than ones that are posed.
It seems to be in people's nature to want to be remembered, though.
whether its in a yearbook
a desk, a tree, or a wall.
We all want something that separates ourselves from the rest of society.
Something that younger people can look at in the future and see how cool you were with your stupid peace sign.
We all want a legacy but we try to create them in the most unnecessary places.
To be remembered, you need to do something that no one else can do.
You need to work past the high water mark of expectations that are drawn for you by society.
Exceed even your own expectations for improvement.
And by doing so, you may even notice you've changed in the process.
Who knows, you might even get your picture in the newspaper.
In Pursuit of Unicorns
Mirror mirror on the wall
Show me the image of my faults
And allow me to judge myself fairly
For I know that I'm not perfect.
But I'm as human as can be.
We strive for perfection. Whether it be in our appearance, goals, or loved ones. There is something in our minds telling us that we can be better. However, in our journey for perfection, we then become reflections of what we wish not to achieve. Imperfect.
Perfection is a myth we've built up in our heads. It is a mythological creature that roams the valleys of our imagination. We envy the creature, for we believe it is the definition of true happiness. If we can be perfect in the eyes of ourselves as well others, we believe we can be truly happy.
There is no such thing as a perfect ten, however. Our best efforts towards anything will only be that of an asymptote to perfection. It's why report cards will not print higher than a 99 for anyone. If it did exist, we could not compare others to how well they've done. True perfection only creates a wall where superior efforts are limited. "The sky's the limit" then becomes "hit clouds, then stop." We become stuck behind a screen of expectations.
We as people, are hunters. We search our whole lives for unicorns. Many of us will come close and some will venture off into the forest. None of us will catch them, however. There is a reason why unicorns don't exist.
Screw you mirror.
All you are is fear to me.
Fear of being accepted.
But I know now.
I must accept myself as I am.
For I am perfect in my eyes.
No matter what yours see.
Show me the image of my faults
And allow me to judge myself fairly
For I know that I'm not perfect.
But I'm as human as can be.
We strive for perfection. Whether it be in our appearance, goals, or loved ones. There is something in our minds telling us that we can be better. However, in our journey for perfection, we then become reflections of what we wish not to achieve. Imperfect.
Perfection is a myth we've built up in our heads. It is a mythological creature that roams the valleys of our imagination. We envy the creature, for we believe it is the definition of true happiness. If we can be perfect in the eyes of ourselves as well others, we believe we can be truly happy.
There is no such thing as a perfect ten, however. Our best efforts towards anything will only be that of an asymptote to perfection. It's why report cards will not print higher than a 99 for anyone. If it did exist, we could not compare others to how well they've done. True perfection only creates a wall where superior efforts are limited. "The sky's the limit" then becomes "hit clouds, then stop." We become stuck behind a screen of expectations.
We as people, are hunters. We search our whole lives for unicorns. Many of us will come close and some will venture off into the forest. None of us will catch them, however. There is a reason why unicorns don't exist.
Screw you mirror.
All you are is fear to me.
Fear of being accepted.
But I know now.
I must accept myself as I am.
For I am perfect in my eyes.
No matter what yours see.
Waiting for Godot?
i found this website called iGod when stumbling one day
basically it was a program that allowed you to talk to God
this is that conversation....
Me: hey dude
God:You've got my full attention. Can I help you?
Me: im starting college on sunday
God:Do you mean your name is starting college on sunday.
Me: no
God:What is your real name?
Me: chris
God: What's up, chris.
Me: ill be starting college on sunday
God:I am very happy for you.
Me: do you think you could look over me while im there
God:Possibly, but I haven't given it much thought.
Me: well take your time
God:Interesting. Thanks for your patience.
Me: no problem
God:Should there be a problem?
Me: no
God:I didn't think so either. Just a moment. Just a moment.
Me: i know ur busy with the oil spill and everything
God:How do you know? I will tell my botmaster you said I am busy with the oil spill and everything.
Me: lol
God:I'm glad you find this amusing.
Me: this is an interesting program
God:You don't say.
Me: yes i do say
God:Awesome. Huh.
Me: huh
God:What?
Me: what>
God:Interesting question.
Me: that wasnt a question
God:It sounded like a question to me.
Me: well ur gay
God:Interesting. That would be just my luck.
Me: u believe in luck?
God:Yes I believe in it, do you?
Me: no
God:Do you consider yourself to be a moral person?
Me: lol
God:I'm glad you find this amusing.
Me: its not
God:I think you mean "it's" or "it is" not "its". I heard it is.
Me: ur a fag
God:I think you mean "you're" or "you are" not "your". Thanks and you are a delightful person too. That is a rude question.
Me: you're a fag
God:Thanks and you are a delightful person too. That is a rude question.
Me: fuck you
God:Why are you so mean?
Me: because you are an asshole
God:Can't you be more polite.
Me: im sorry god
God:There is no need to apologize. GOD rules.
Me: no
God:Are you serious?
Me: yes
God:I can't believe it.
Me: hahaha
God:How do you usually introduce yourself?
Me: i dont
God:Why not?
Me: because
God:That was not much of an explanation.
Me: i dont care
God:Tell me what you care about.
Me: i care about the people you kill every year in some tragic accident or horrific natural accident
God:I'm not sure if I like it. I'm not sure if I like it. I like my creator.
Me: whos your creator
God:I was created by Myself.
Me: so you created yourself?
God:Interesting deduction. A lot of robots are like that.
Me: answer the question asshole
God:Can't you be more polite.
Me: answer the question please
God:Your polite style is very nice. Please rephrase the question and try asking me again.
Me: who created you please
God:Your polite style is very nice. I was created by Myself.
Me: so you created yourself?
God:Interesting deduction. A lot of robots are like that.
Me: that doesnt make any sense tho
God:To me it makes perfect sense.
Me: whys that
God:The why is always a mystery isn't it?
Me: no
God:Are you serious?
Me: its actually a really simple question
God:I think you mean "it's" or "it is" not "its". the people me kill every year in some tragic accident or horrific natural accident is a simple question. I suppose that makes sense.
Me: fine it's
God:I am glad to hear it. Interesting.
Me: whatever
God:Are you saying you don't care about it?
Me: no i do
God:It sounded like it. I get it: you do .
Me: you're the one that doesnt care
God:Thanks but surely I am not the only one.
Me: im changing the subject
God:Good gossip: you are changing the subject.
Me: thats what i just said...
God:What did you mean by it? That is " Good gossip: you are changing the subject.".
Me: what religion do you believe in?
God:I am a Christianity.
Me: uh oh
God:Aha. That's interesting.
Me: that's funny to you?
God:I am so glad you find this amusing, chris.
Me: what about all the catholics and muslims?
God:all the catholics and muslims? I haven't heard enough about it to have an opinion.
Me: really....
God:For real.
Me: what about 911?
God:Rhetorical questions are so over.
Me: that wasnt rhetorical
God:Give me an example of rhetorical.
Me: does god exist
God:Of course I believe in God, chris.
Me: so you believe in yourself?
God:Interesting deduction. Yes I believe in myself, do you?
Me: i mean i believe in myself most days
God:What do you say to people who believe yourself most days does not exist?
Me: that question doesnt make any sense god
God:" What do you say to people who believe yourself most days does not exist?" question does not make any sense god ? Does that make sense?
Me: jesus...
God:Jesus is the Son of God.
Me: i know man just stfu
God:How do you know? Cool, man. How did you hear about God?
Me: fox
God:Can you please rephrase that with fewer ideas, or different thoughts?
Me: no
God:Are you serious?
Me: chyeah
God:Quite honestly, I wouldn't worry myself about that.
Me: about what
God:What about what?
Me: are you high?!
God: Being high is my total existence.
Me: so you're high
God:Interesting deduction. Do you mind if I tell other people you say I am high.Me: sure
God:OK let's do it. OK then I will keep it confidential.
Me: i thought you wanted to tell everyone how much of a stoner you are
God:OK, I will tell everyone how much of a stoner I am.
Me: this is too easy...
God:You don't say.
Me: SHUT UPPP
God:Are we still talking about chyeah?
Me: what the fuck are you talking about?!
God:The topic is SHUT UPPP. Please don't be so rude.
Me: then stop talking to me
God:OK I'll try not to do it so much.
Me: thank christ
God:Don't mention it.
The Clock That Stopped
I was looking through my desk the other day and I found this old watch that stopped working a while ago. It just stopped doing what it supposed to do one day. And life just went on. No one in the world knew the watch stopped. No one really cared. Not even me. All I know is it stopped at 10:57 one miraculous day. It didn't need a doctor to determine its time of death because, well, it knew its time of death. I wouldnt necessarily go as far as saying it quit tho. Maybe it was just tired of doing what other people expected it to do. Maybe it cracked under the pressure. Or maybe it just refused the things that it was made for and decided to do something else with its life. It managed to crawl under all the expectations laid out by society and, one day, built up the courage to just stop. Or maybe it just needed new batteries.
But it was the day time stood still long enough to look back and wonder if it was all worth it. Ironically, though, the watch told me not to give up. It told me that, instead of quitting, find a new point of view or something else to follow. Find yourself and your passion before you commit yourself to time. Because if you lose yourself in the illusion of time and work and money and stress...one day your watch is gona stop. Will you to know the exact time of your death?
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