KARL JASPERS FORUM

TA 81-82 (De & Pal)

Commentary 41

EINSTEIN'S RELATIVITY AND THE BRAIN
by Adhanom Andemicael
14 November 2006, posted 18 November 2006

<1>
According to Einstein, the brain contracts when it moves. (1)

<2>
Question : Does the brain generate the mind ? Below, I list four "propositions" for us to consider:

<3>
1.Proposition #1 (P1): "The normal, uncontracted brain generates consciousness. However, the relativistically-contracted brain does *not* generate consciousness."

2. Proposition #2 (P2): "The normal, uncontracted brain does *not* generate consciousness. However, the relativistically-contracted brain does generate consciousness."

3. Proposition #3 (P3):"Both the normal and the contracted brains generate consciousness."

4. Proposition #4 (P4):"Neither the normal nor the contracted brain generates consciousness."

<4>
Let us consider the following statement:

S1: "The contracted brain generates mind."

<5>
I believe this statement is false. It seems to me that the relativistically-distorted brain cannot generate conscious experience. (2)

<6>
Propositions P2 and P3 presume that statement S1 is true. However, as I indicate above, S1 is false. Since S1 is false, P2 and P3 are false.

<7>
P1 states the following : "The normal, uncontracted brain generates consciousness. However, the relativistically-contracted brain does *not* generate consciousness."

<8>
This proposition implies that the brain ceases to be conscious as soon as it starts moving through space.

<9>
P4 states: "Neither the normal nor the contracted brain generates consciousness."

<10>
This proposition claims that the brain *never* generates mind.(3)

<11>
I indicate above that P2 and P3 are false. This means that either P1 or P4 is true. I believe P4 is true.(4)

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NOTES

1. The relativistic distortion is a real physical effect. It is not an optical illusion.

2. When the brain is moving at a velocity close to that of light, the brain's contraction (i.e., distortion) is severe.

3. If we accept proposition P4 as true, we have to abandon the widely held belief that "brain generates mind."

4. We can abandon the notion that brain "generates" mind. However, we cannot deny the fact that brain and mental activity are correlated.

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REFERENCE

Target Article 61

http://www.kjf.ca/61-TAAND.htm

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http://www.KJF.ca </exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.KJF.ca>

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Adhanom Andemicael