The origin of consciousness is one of many unsolved questions in neuroscience. There are ongoing controversies concerning how, visit where, medical when, and what kind of consciousness has arisen in organisms over 3.5 billion years of life on Earth.
Epochs of Consciousness outlines 7 different kinds of awareness that have evolved in a variety of creatures at different times, ranging from preconsciousness to superconciousness, including consciousness, primate consciousness, late hominid consciousness, self-consciousness and communal consciousness. The text also includes a detailed list of characteristics that define each category of consciousness, and an accompanying timeline.
The specific dates associated with each form of consciousness are broadly represented, and are clearly open to discussion.
Epochs of Consciousness was originally written as a performance text, and was first presented in Boston in 1997. The reading of the text to an audience was accompanied by an informal explanation, paraphrasing, and repetition of ideas emphasized within the text. A lively discussion followed the complete reading of the text.
We wish to acknowledge members of Nature and Inquiry for their tireless discussions with us on the subject of consciousness. We have incorporated many of their suggestions.
John Holland and Amy Robinson
To view the text: Epochs of Consciousness
photo credit: The Daily Galaxy
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