Intentionality
Philosopher John Searle talks about intentionality ("the capacity of the mind to be directed at or to be about or of objects and states of affairs of the world other than the mind...") and consciousness, which he believes are the most important prop...
The Great Mystery: World of Dreams, The
The prefrontal cortex is deactivated during REM sleep so all the cognitive functions are impaired. But the limbic system is turned on so emotions are strong. The most common emotion in dreams is fear, followed by elation, then anger. But how t...
Consciousness
Social psychologist Mahzarin Banaji talks about the concept of consciousness. Dr. Banaji explains that she thinks of consciousness as having four properties: awareness, control, intention and self-reflection
The Great Mystery: What is Consciousness
Six psychologists grapple with the definition of consciousness. Their attempts to explain consciousness range from calling it a state of perceptive awareness to characterizing it as an inner experience that is unique to each individual. This is such...
The Great Mystery: Discounted Theories of Consciousness
Although it is widely accepted that a person's mental life is caused by neurobiological processes in the brain, we have no real understanding of how the brain gives rise to consciousness, or what brain processes are specifically responsible. The ide...
The Great Mystery: Levels of Consciousness
Researchers agree that there are various levels of consciousness, from concentrated attention at one end of the spectrum to a total lack of consciousness at the other. Most of what we do tends to be on the unconscious end of the continuum. A classic...
The Great Mystery: Circadian Rhythms
Human alertness ebbs and flows along with other brain and body processes, a direct reflection of circadian rhythms. The hormone melatonin also contributes to the control of sleep. It is secreted in the darkness and inhibited by light. People need at...
The Great Mystery: Stages of Sleep
Sleep and dream research is part of the scientific study of consciousness. Both the body and brain are quite active during sleep. The frequencies and amplitudes of the EEG recorded during sleep reveal two primary types of sleep: REM sleep (rapid eye...
The Great Mystery: Functions of Sleep
Although the exact functions of sleep are unknown, researchers believe it serves a restorative function, providing a period when the body can heal and get ready for the next day. Some think that sleep is related to thermoregulation of the temperatur...
The Great Mystery: REM Sleep
During REM sleep eye movement and brainwaves are very active, but everything else seems paralyzed. Even the thermoregulatory system does not work during REM sleep. Newborn infants sleep about 16 hours a day, half of which is REM sleep. This leads re...