Expert: Philip A. Stahl - 7/4/2007

Question
Hello Phillip
I was wondering how do atheist explain consciousness and why do different people have different levels of consciousness or awareness.
Regards,
Sunil Mahabir
Pembroke Pines, Fl. 33084

Answer
Hello,

Not all atheists, first of all, see a need to "explain consciousness". For many (e.g. Daniel Dennett - see his book 'Consciousness Explained') it is more an epiphenomon of brain function itself - not a separate process that unfolds outside of neurons.

His theory of "multiple drafts" is very interesting - basically asserting that at any given instant human consciousness is a madcap, constantly changing panorama - similar to the multiple drafts a novelist may produce.

In the end, however, the novelist will select one and only one draft as the final "product". The others will be tossed.

In like manner, eventually one manifestation of thought expressed in words or actions will appear in a human, while other choices are negated.

There is nothing magical about any of this, it's just the way the brain works.

My own theory depends on quantum wave mechanics and how it affects the transmission of neuro-transmitters at synapses.

It is much too extensive to discuss here, but you can find an entire chapter: 'Consciousness and Modern Materialism' which explains it in clear terms.


You may obtain the book ('The Atheist's Handbook to Modern Materialism', 2000) here:

https://lightning.he.net/~atheists/catalogue/shop/prod7001.php

The book also explains why people have different levels of awareness - and how these can actually be tested for. If the book is unavailable at the site noted, you can write to me and I can send you a copy at the same price (as I have a few remaining)