This would mean that quantum theory is a relevant consideration for all processes in the universe. The fact is that quantum theory generally only applies on the atomic and sub-atomic scales. When trying to understand more advanced systems you rely on the highest level abstraction which provides an understanding of the function. In neuroscience this is the neuron, which, if the neuron doctrine holds, means that the neuron is the lowest level abstraction in the central nervous system which processes information, it would only be necessary to look to a deeper explanation should it not be possible to understand why and how a neuron works using biological and higher-level chemical principles. (This isn't my area of expertise, Bugpowda might be able to explain in more detail)
Furthermore, the only thing that quantum theory could provide as part of the explanation of consciousness is a source of randomness. And it's obvious to anyone who observes the world around us, there are many sources of apparent randomness in the macroscopic world. You can't accurately predict the outcome of dice rolls, this isn't an issue of quantum theory, it's just that the difficulty of calculating all the variables. In this same way the randomness of human consciousness can easily be assumed to be the result of an inability to calculate all the variables that go into the brains internal processing, which are astronomically more then in the roll of a die.
Given the apparent sentiment by some of the posers I would have to suggest that the Falun Gong members extend their suit to include the financial backers of the regime oppressing them, Wal-Mart, Apple, all those who knowingly purchase products built in china (virtually every US citizen), and oh yes, the US federal government. This money eventually finds its way to the Chinese government, supporting all forms of censorship and human injustices they commit. I mean it’s not like these companies and individuals “had no idea what it was going to be used for.” I mean if you’re going to supply a known assassin with the money to finance his operation you have crossed the line from supplying a product into aiding and abetting a crime.
My point here is that while Cisco may bear some small portion of responsibility here, there is a much longer and more significant list of responsible individuals which likely includes many Slashdot posters.
Does that mean the 40% who voted for the other side don’t have to pay? How about the huge percentage of the population so rightfully disillusioned with the governmental process that they don’t vote? (The other side often being no different)
“The government is established by us” ?? – I don’t recall drafting any early American legislation. The government was established long ago, and now is a self perpetuating entity which is not really controllable in any serious fashion by the average person. The system presents us with one or two equally poor choices for the various offices to create the illusion that the average person has some kind of power over the government.
“can't be bothered to learn”, “not know what's going on” – I agree, but you have to realize how many people get up, get their kids to school, go to work, get home, fix dinner , clean the house, then have all of a half hour to themselves before they have to do it again. Many do not have the time necessary to play watch-dog on the governmental agencies that control their lives, not to mention the fact that technological issues such as this are often outside the general knowledge of the average lay-person.
Slashdot Mirror
This would mean that quantum theory is a relevant consideration for all processes in the universe. The fact is that quantum theory generally only applies on the atomic and sub-atomic scales. When trying to understand more advanced systems you rely on the highest level abstraction which provides an understanding of the function. In neuroscience this is the neuron, which, if the neuron doctrine holds, means that the neuron is the lowest level abstraction in the central nervous system which processes information, it would only be necessary to look to a deeper explanation should it not be possible to understand why and how a neuron works using biological and higher-level chemical principles. (This isn't my area of expertise, Bugpowda might be able to explain in more detail)
Furthermore, the only thing that quantum theory could provide as part of the explanation of consciousness is a source of randomness. And it's obvious to anyone who observes the world around us, there are many sources of apparent randomness in the macroscopic world. You can't accurately predict the outcome of dice rolls, this isn't an issue of quantum theory, it's just that the difficulty of calculating all the variables. In this same way the randomness of human consciousness can easily be assumed to be the result of an inability to calculate all the variables that go into the brains internal processing, which are astronomically more then in the roll of a die.
Given the apparent sentiment by some of the posers I would have to suggest that the Falun Gong members extend their suit to include the financial backers of the regime oppressing them, Wal-Mart, Apple, all those who knowingly purchase products built in china (virtually every US citizen), and oh yes, the US federal government. This money eventually finds its way to the Chinese government, supporting all forms of censorship and human injustices they commit. I mean it’s not like these companies and individuals “had no idea what it was going to be used for.” I mean if you’re going to supply a known assassin with the money to finance his operation you have crossed the line from supplying a product into aiding and abetting a crime.
My point here is that while Cisco may bear some small portion of responsibility here, there is a much longer and more significant list of responsible individuals which likely includes many Slashdot posters.
Does that mean the 40% who voted for the other side don’t have to pay? How about the huge percentage of the population so rightfully disillusioned with the governmental process that they don’t vote? (The other side often being no different)
“The government is established by us” ?? – I don’t recall drafting any early American legislation. The government was established long ago, and now is a self perpetuating entity which is not really controllable in any serious fashion by the average person. The system presents us with one or two equally poor choices for the various offices to create the illusion that the average person has some kind of power over the government.
“can't be bothered to learn”, “not know what's going on” – I agree, but you have to realize how many people get up, get their kids to school, go to work, get home, fix dinner , clean the house, then have all of a half hour to themselves before they have to do it again. Many do not have the time necessary to play watch-dog on the governmental agencies that control their lives, not to mention the fact that technological issues such as this are often outside the general knowledge of the average lay-person.