Yesterday at Half Price Books, found this one.... Just a microscopical reference: "What do we mean when we say "I"? Can a self, a soul, a consciousness, and "I" arise out of mere matter?"...... Well this is a rhetorical question since here I am typing this, am I? As I have pointed out, Douglas Hofstadter is the author of "Godel, Escher and Bach"..... One of the many good Indiana contributors to move the ball forward
That's one of the books (along with Goedel, Escher, Bach) that helped to change my thinking. For further elucidation on the subject, read Daniel C. Dennett.
Ok... Actually Dr Hofstadter refers to him quite frequently. Thx
"Can a self, a soul, a consciousness, and "I" arise out of mere matter?"
I don't see the alternative, unless you deny consciousness altogether. Rather I think that some form of panpsychism is correct. It not that all matter is conscious, but rather that consciousness emerges as a property of matter if and only if it is properly constituted. It arises out of the correct arrangement of matter.
It was a quote from the book. Just making sure that wasn't overlooked. Thanks for your comment. You may consider checking it (if you haven't yet).
If you're familiar with GEB then you're going to like this one. I'm just getting started and so far so good. At least the first chapter its more like story telling type of deal, not cryptic as GEB was most of the time