Big brain evolution: changes in sapiens skull shape;addendum (Evolution)

by David Turell , Sunday, February 25, 2018, 15:38 (2250 days ago) @ dhw

DAVID: My use of the word receives is that we receive the software of s/s/c. In the other sense, the functioning human brain receives thought specific areas of the brain.

dhw: If the thinking self (software) resides in the implementing brain (hardware), and if when the brain dies the s/s/c goes its merry way but continues to be its thinking self (as apparently evidenced by NDEs), how can you possibly argue that thought depends on the functioning brain?

You are not looking at the two different stages. Receiving "Living thought" requires a functional brain. The s/s/c as I conceive it has two quantum stages/forms, interfaced with the material brain and after death interfaced with the afterlife.

DAVID: Developmental completion is a simple concept: your Volkswagen came from the factory completely constructed (developed). You the added a few aftermarket refinements. Same car with some adaptations. I view the prefrontal cortex the same way. And from the standpoint of immaterial thought, why do adolescents have judgmental problems until that development is complete?

dhw: Again you are trying to divert attention away from the fact that expression/ implementation of immaterial thought CAUSES changes in the material brain – the exact opposite of your hypothesis that changes in the brain PRECEDE immaterial thought. Why are you so afraid to tackle this issue?

I've tackled it over and over. Only advanced brains can produce advanced artifacts/civilizations. Implementation causes more complexity and shrinks the brain.

DAVID: I don't know why you are so confused. The brain is a computer and the s/s/c is its software. […]

dhw: “Mechanics for thought” is ambiguous. The confusion lies in your agreement that the s/s/c does the thinking (software), but you say it cannot think without a functioning brain (hardware) – as explained in my first response above. Dualism separates thinking (soul) from implementation of thought (brain).

We may be using different concepts of dualism, which is why we are constantly cross talking. I cannot think without using a living brain. I am the s/s/c. My brain allows me to think (immaterial) but my brain is obviously material. Obvious dualism. You seem to add something that is a different concept.