Where is our civilization going?

In reference to this video:



Think we'll be okay?

I have nothing but hope. But these hopes are not without their worries....

It's fascinating, but I suspect we will discover things the likes of which cannot be anticipated. For example, I don't see the idea of a sentient super computer transforming all mater into computers. My guess is that we will find new ways of thinking and even being that will render the transistor obsolete. What that is, I haven't a clue. I just think that when we look further into just what consciousness is, we may discover things that we can't even dream of.

Originally Posted by EmotionallyTonedGeometry

It's fascinating, but I suspect we will discover things the likes of which cannot be anticipated. For example, I don't see the idea of a sentient super computer transforming all mater into computers. My guess is that we will find new ways of thinking and even being that will render the transistor obsolete. What that is, I haven't a clue. I just think that when we look further into just what consciousness is, we may discover things that we can't even dream of.

We already know what consciousness is, it's a manifestation/illusion of active language processing that stimulates a database of sensory and emotional memories.

Originally Posted by Kevinaswell

We already know what consciousness is, it's a manifestation/illusion of active language processing that stimulates a database of sensory and emotional memories.

I would say calling that a knowledge claim is very very bold, and flies in the face of a lot of unsettled debate in Cognitive Science/Psychology/Neuroscience

Originally Posted by Kevinaswell

We already know what consciousness is, it's a manifestation/illusion of active language processing that stimulates a database of sensory and emotional memories.

That is an exhaustive definition? There is nothing more to consciousness than this? If you look at writers like St. Teresa of Avila, Patanjali and Dogen, they suggest states of consciousness that do not fit this definition. Your definition suggests conscousness as understood by curent scientific models by consciousness. I think there is something more that we cannot yet understand.

I'm very optimistic in mankind's future. I've been reading a lot of astronomy books lately and I've been fascinated by man's place in the cosmos. I think once we place a man/woman in Mars, the real space exploration will start. I'm highly saddened by the fact I will not be able to witness/experience all this.