William writes: "Cheerskep's notion of processing assumes an "empty container" state of consciousness and cognition receiving the sense data. But the sense data is preselected and then modified by the container. We construct the sense data according the already preset "patterns" in cellular structures. Sensing is a two sourced -- the inner and the outer mixed, like pouring two liquids together. We are aware on the mixed results that we can't separate again. WC"
William's posting uses some key terms where what comes to my mind when I read them may not be what he had in mind when he wrote them. I'll try to make serviceably clear my "understanding" of William's notions so he can discern where I've got him wrong. I've said that what "comes to mind" whenever we get new "input" via our sensors is a function of our huge "magazine" of stored memories, plus our receiving and processing apparatuses. I certainly agree that the brain "constructs" the conscious form of the sense data. Input through the eyes arrives into "awareness" in the form of "visual" data, and it's the receiving brain that determines this form. I myself would restrict the word 'sensing' for what I think William has in mind when he says "outer" sources. So I'll say "sensing" ends when the sense data take conscious, notional form. Thereafter "inner" processing ensues -- the associating and manipulating of the "processing apparatus". So William's sentence, " Cheerskep's notion of processing assumes an "empty container" state of consciousness and cognition receiving the sense data," does not seem to me to characterize my view. When I am, say, watching a baseball game, I have lots of conscious thoughts as each new datum arrives. As I watch the pitcher throw his next pitch (i.e. I'm receiving new sense data) I can simultaneously be very conscious that there are two strikes and if this one is a strike the pitcher can get out of the inning. So I wouldn't say my "container" of consciousness is empty at that moment. 'Cognition' is a bit ambiguous to me, because one might think of it as an activity, the product of that activity, or even as the inventory in the magazine. As the name of the new pitcher is announced, I "recognize" him -- i.e. I "recall" lots about his history, in particular that he can throw a 98-mile-an-hour fast ball. Someone might even say that within that "container" of "cognition" is my processing apparatus. So I'd be slow to say the "container" of my cognition is empty as I receive new sense data. I agree with William's apparent suggestion that the inner processor generates new notion that is not part of the sense data-- as, say, when we recognize an inconsistency in something just said, or as we decide the speaker is lying, or as we feel disgust. And I also agree that our multiplex experience as we receive and process new data becomes part of the remembered magazine, rather like pouring new liquid into our large vat of memories ************** New MapQuest Local shows what's happening at your destination. Dining, Movies, Events, News & more. Try it out (http://local.mapquest.com/?ncid=emlcntnew00000002)
