Quote:
Originally Posted by Melchior  This is a follow up to this thread.
Pretty much, the question is: How does consciousness change, move, evolve, stabilize, etc.?
EDIT: For clarification, I'm asking 'in what way' does this happen, what is the observed phenomena and the accompanying explanation, i.e. phenomenology.
If you wish to discuss what consciousness is, please use the previous thread where there was at least some form of consensus reached, namely that consciousness, something fundamental in nature, cannot be created or destroyed only change form, similar to the concept of energy.
Some useful guidelines: an explanation should be accompanied by its related scope (i.e. the range of phenomena to which the explanation applies), otherwise discussion will likely get mixed up and unnecessary conflict might arise. And as for the claims made, as long as the support of the claim matches the strength of the claim, I think we should be all right.
(As in the previous thread, if there's been discussion on this already, whether here or elsewhere, please link it if you get the chance. Thanks.  ) |
In observing my own consciousness, I see the "shape" or "state" of consciousness as being a function of what I
choose to place my awareness on. Attention in other words. Though, practically speaking, this "choice" is not necessarily
consciously deliberate but just the most convenient or naturally associated thought object. As a new focus (or thought object) is achieved, the prior shape, object, or reality attenuates. The attenuation is necessary for cognitive energy conservation reasons.
It can assume any shape, with the caveat that it is large enough to accommodate said shape. The power, strength, intensity, or size of consciousness seems to be a factor of shape also, albeit a more subtle or subconscious focus. For example, as my consciousness is currently entertaining the shape or "information structure" of a physical brain, it is limited to the preconditions of that shape in much the same way as the expression of a light shining through a blue lens is filtered or conditioned by that shape. The base shape or focus conditions or limits all future shapes.
We might even call these base shapes "identities".
Practically speaking, this means my brain has a certain amount of "RAM" and that limits the scope of what is is possible to be aware of whilst consciousness is "shining" through or "conforming" itself
to that particular structure. This would be the cognitive energy limits of the information structure.
In order to conform its shape to something bigger or more complex than the scope of what the physical body is capable of cognizing, it would need to first release that shape before taking on another one. This would be a matter of changing the focus -- not only of the broad or "conscious" level, but the deeper or more fundamental subconscious identity levels as well.
When the consciousness is not entertaining ANY shape, it is not constraining itself to ANY limits, and is an "unbounded essence" as it were. This, from my perspective, would be a state of infinite energy or awareness.