Anybody in there?

To round out my year in Neural Systems, we concluded class with a discussion on consciousness.  It's the heart of our existence, yet something that can only be experienced individually.  Consciousness is a private experience.  Poets and scientists for decades have tried to express the world they see through their "inner theatre" but words and algorithms will never be enough.  Each experience is unique to the individual in terms of thought.

In terms of this subject, it's extremely difficult to conduct research.  How do we define the mind?  Is it the same as the brain? Or does the brain act as a conduit?  And where does all this leave free will?  The truth is, this realm is better expressed through the help of philosophers.

Descartes opens the dialogue with the view dualism.  That the mind (or moral spirit) is separate from the physical body.  His original view was designed to support the existence of God and was accepted as the dominant philosophical view until a Scottish philosopher by the name of Hume.  He posited the opposite- that the brain is both necessary and sufficient for consciousness.  His theory of physicalism or materialism has since dominated the field.  But modifications on both go far beyond their basic premises.  If you have the time to read some about these two legendary philosophers, I suggest you do so.  They are giants in philosophy and still relevant in neuroscience today.

Two more prominent figures who I'd like to direct my thanks at are the two professors who made my experience in Neural Systems so memorable.  Professor Mauk has been with us for the full year and brought a deep understanding of the chemical and voltage changes involved with the most basic unit of neuroscience- the action potential.  Not to mention, he really tried to bring our learning to something higher than usually experienced in undergrad classes.

I also want to thank Professor Drew.  HE was a recent addition to the staff at the beginning of this semester but made the course engaging and relevant.  I believe this was his first course taught at UT and I'd say it was a complete success!

So thanks so much to Neural Systems!  Both the staff and the fellow students made it an experience which will shape the rest of my career.