Book Review: Consciousness Explained

What are your thoughts on consciousness? In a book called Consciousness Explained, written in 1991, American philosopher Daniel Dennetdiscusses a new model of human consciousness which he calls the "multiple drafts" model. This model is unique in that it offers the perspective that consciousness is not one single experience or place - there are a number of processes going on in the brain which constitute consciousness. It is the combination of these processes that produces consciousness as we know it.

Parallelism is the concept that serves as the basis for these theories. Essentially, there are a number of semi-independent actions going on in parallel in brain. They occur at any given time and in any given place. These processes have various results and effects in the brain, which ultimately add up to and lead to the stream of thoughts and sensations known as consciousness.

Consciousness Explained also discusses phenomena of qualia. The concept of qualia is somewhat confusing, mainly because there is no consensus as to the definition of the word. Philosophers purport that it refers to the subjective experience, i.e. how it feels to experience seeing red or pain or smelling a flower. It is the experience in its rawest form. Dennet suggests that qualia do not exist, and his argument is that they cannot be adequately communicated to others. The common example used to explain this is that you can see red, but you can't fully explain that experience to someone who has never seen red. You might use analogies to explain it, such as "red is like fire," or you might use a scientific explanation such as the wavelength of red light. But that means nothing to someone who has never seen red - the experience is not the same.

The author goes on to claim that the human brain is only capable of recalling the most relevant information about the world. We notice changes and idiosyncrasies, and as a result we miss out on some important details. The examples used by Dennet to illustrate this help the reader along to the conclusion that much of what we experience is illusion.

When the book came out, some people criticized Dennet's minimalist approach to consciousness. After all, what is consciousness without a subjective experience? Although subjectivity is non-scientific in nature, it cannot be extracted from the experience of consciousness.

Of course, Consciousness Explained offers just one theory about human consciousness. It by no means lives up to its title. In fact, it leaves the reader wondering whether or not we can ever really explain consciousness. There are so many theories about consciousness and yet, philosophers, psychologists, and scientists cannot come to a conclusion. Perhaps consciousness is innately inexplicable. Even as it is an experience familiar to all of us, it remains a mystery.

What is the difference between spiritual and personal growth? Often in our everyday life these two terms tend to be used as substitutes for each other. However, there's a whole lot of to spiritual growth that one would categorize as personal growth. Of course, knowing oneself forms an integral part of both of these concepts. Here are some differences between spiritual and personal growth:

Often spiritual growth is when people try to be more ethical and just in their day to day courses. This can be in terms of life, business and even society. By achieving spiritual growth, people believe that they'll start leading more peaceful and purposeful lives. They'll improve their relationships and keep as many problems as possible at bay.

Other than this spiritual growth can also include people from all walks of life so that they end up feeling an important part of something larger than the material world around them. Moreover, the concept of personal growth definitely involves the component of spiritual growth.

On the other hand, now let us throw some light on how personal growth differs from spiritual growth. Personal growth doesn't have to be spiritual at all times. People who take language classes or learn to skydive are taking up these activities to feel better personally and thereby develop themselves. This may also include staying abreast with the world to manage one's job well. In a nutshell, anything and everything that helps us work better in both personal and professional life leads to personal growth.

Then there can be a link between spiritual and personal growth. It's when an individual connects with a higher power to gain the knowledge of the consciousness, one is totally introduced a whole new side of his being! On the downside, if the higher powers are called upon by the person to satisfy one's selfish, worldly needs it wouldn't be really spiritual. It'll be fairly a medium to attain personal motives.

But again this can be referred to as path to personal growth. However, out of the terms spiritual and personal growth, the latter sounds more selfish. As such there's nothing wrong with it other than the fact it's not meant for a community or let's say the whole of mankind. It's only meant for the self. Eventually, if this personal growth transforms into spiritual growth this is bound to affect the way we perceive the world around us.

There will always be a bit of a tiff between spiritual and personal growth. The constant fight between creating oneself OR recreating oneself. However, in case of spiritual growth, the spiritual experiences that have occurred with an individual will play a very vital role.

Spiritual and personal growth can lead to major changes in life. These changes may range from changes in relationships, friends, job prospects, community participation, etc. The search for oneself along with the need of connection with the higher powers is a never-ending journey. Who knows when does it get over? Or, is the journey that counts and not the destination? Who'll answer this mystery of mysteries?

Learn more about consciousness explained and nature of consciousness