Mind and Matter

MIND AND MATTER

The basic question of philosophy dwells on Mind and Matter. The idealists believed that there is a universal consciousness or intelligence existed and the matter is a creation or an expression of this phenomenon. The materialists believed the other way, that mind is only an expression of matter.

There was a group of people who had taken a middle path. They are called duelists, who thought there is a parallel development of mind and matter.

Before we jump into any conclusion let us consider certain available data of the development of matter and mind.

Mind or consciousness is supposed to be the result of the activity of the nervous system or the brain. It is a conglomerate of, instinct, reasoning or logical thinking, emotions and intuition.

Our five senses play a substantial role in these matters. These are the pathways through which we know the external world. We collect the data through these pathways. They are processed in the brain. There are many centres in the brain, which deals with each activity of the brain. amygdala for that matter is the centre of emotional activity. The cortex for logical activity, etc. etc. All of them are interconnected and even interdependent. If you consider the evolution of the nervous system, the centre for involuntary activities were the 1^st to develop later the centres for voluntary activities. The intellectual activities, language spirituality, artistic qualities etc. developed much later.

As far as we know by pure reasoning and logical analysis we have to hypothesize that there is no mind with out matter and mind is the product or property of the matter.

However, in the science of investigation there is a paradox. If you have to analyze a new phenomenon, you should have a tool, a yardstick. But how do we develop this yardstick? This has to be based on something relative or based on a hypothesis and then prove or disprove this hypothesis.

As I am not a physicist, I am not in a position to analyze the Big Bang, theory which is supposed to be the origin of the universe or the theory of the origin of matter. However, I want to mention that there is a theory, which states that the matter could originate from nothing. They say that in the vast vacuum matter could originate as charges or particles – may be to maintain the density of the ever-expanding universe.

Coming to the origin of life in our planet, we know that life originated somewhere about 2000 millions of years ago. Then, about 200 crores of years after the birth our planet, this globe of ours was a warm cesspool of chemical activities. It was a vast laboratory where elements and molecules were formed and destroyed. More stable ones survived. The weak and the unstable ones reacted with others to form stable ones or even divided to form new ones. In the process amino acids and proteins were formed. We know stability is what every matter, even elements finally long for. Even two hydrogen atoms for stability combine together and form a hydrogen molecule by sharing their orbiting electrons. Likewise some unstable proteins could form a protective covering of stable proteins. So, the 1^st form of life originated by natural chemical activities. The 1^st requisite or law for life is self-protection.

By creating a protective covering the protein or the life matter could create an environment of its own. We could say that ‘Life is a property of matter’. The movement of such a form - if you want to call it a ‘life form’ - was due to chemical attraction and repulsion, which is called chemotaxis. Again reproduction was a chemical reaction only. It could be the 2^nd requisite for life, that is making a replica of its own from the molecules surrounding it, which is called chemoautotrophism.

Well, when the two essential prerequisites for the survival and propagation are achieved life went on for further pursuit of advancement or evolution. It is definitely not competition but co-operation that stimulated the evolution. If it was competition, the life in its early stages would not have survived the hostile environment. The development of multicellular organism form a single cell was a glanring example of co-operation. It is widely accepted concept that mitochondria were a separate organism, which was incorporated to the cell and became an inevitable part of the cell to conduct the metabolism. It is probably one of the striking examples of symbiogenesis.

The ameba moves about protruding its podium and changing its shape. It is actually either a repulsion or attraction to a particular molecule and is a passive movement by chemotaxis. But in higher forms the passive movement has changed over to active. Instinct is a higher form of chemically directed activity. Nobody teaches a bird to build a nest. It is more of an instinct. Most of the activities of lower forms of animals are directed by the external environment. For example there is a fish, which develop into a male or female depending on the sex of the fishes of the same species in the vicinity.

Well, from passive movement to active movement, from molecular antagonism and affinity to instinct was a slow progress or even quantum jump in evolution.

In higher forms slowly emotions and logical thinking come into play and the highest to develop was intuition and self-awareness.

One nobel laureate in physics once said, “The greatest example of telekinesis is the movement of molecules and particle in response to your thought”. This could be considered as the power of mind over matter.

Passive movements or activities are evident in higher forms. Pavlov’s theory of conditioned reflex holds a clear example for this. Salivation at the indication of food is one.

Higher forms like we the humans, could reject the temptation of the external stimuli. How hungry we may be, we can reject food. This is the power of the mind. It is winning of mind over matter. Our great minds could even reject strong temptations and can be raised to a state bliss by achieving ‘Indriya Nigraha’. May be as we evolve further. We may be able to control the external world by the power of mind not indirectly but directly.

In conclusion I would like to opine that consciousness (or mind or thought process), which is a sum total of instinct, emotions, reasoning and finally self awareness (unique to humans) though linked to matter and to our knowledge, which is not having a separate existence devoid of matter, has got a parallel existence and have an evolution of its own right.

We started observing the expression of consciousness from the start of the living organism. The materialists believe that it is only a property of the living matter. But in higher forms thought can move the molecules or otherwise matter. The expression of consciousness looms bigger and bigger as the living forms evolved to higher and higher forms.

If such is the case, can we retrace back and presume that consciousness was there even before the 1^st form of life existed? That it was not evident to us for there was no means of expression for it.

When we consider the opinion that matter is created in a vacuum – from nothing, how do we explain? Can we say matter is only a property of the consciousness – A universal consciousness? Or is it only the product of consciousness?

Human beings have got the largest gestation period among the living organism. The lower forms, if you mince; each cell will grow into an individual organism.

From creation of matter to the expression of consciousness is only a gestation period in the reproduction of consciousness. Reproduction is the highest form expression.

Thrissur,

19/3/2002. Dr. Varghese Mani.

The real valuable thing is intuition.

Albert Einstein.

The superior man understands what is right, the inferior man understands what

will sell.

Confucius.

When the electron vibrates the universe shakes.

Arthur Eddington.

The heart has reasons of its own, which the head can never understand.

Pascal.

‘Above the logic of the head is the feeling in the heart’

Rousseau.

Man is that process of reality in which and through which the cosmic process has become conscious and has begun to comprehend itself.

John Huxley.

“Devine which was the earliest seed of spirit”

“He who surveys it in the highest heaven.

He only knows – or even he knows it not”

Song of creation – Rig-Veda.

veeyem

Business Mankind

THE BUSINESS, MANKIND

Dr Varghese Mani

The history of the Biocosm undoubtedly reveals the fact that our ‘living planet’ rejects the living species, which falls short of the requisites or who misbehaves-posing a threat to the ecosystem or interrupting the feed back loop.

Examples are aplenty. The great lizards; Dinosaurs ruled the world for 180

Million years (An impressive period of time) to become extinct around 70 million

years ago.

The ,so presumed ,more evolved hominid . Australopithecus , appeared on the planet only 4 million years ago to remain on the face of the earth for a short span of 2.5

Million years . Later , hominids of better intelligence (?) like Homo habilis, H. erectus, H. neanderthalensis emerged for short periods, to our genera. We humans are scientifically known as Homo sapiens meaning the ‘wise man’

The modern man (Homo sapiens) appeared only 100000 years ago. How recently! Unfortunately we are unreasonably conceited – deplorable ignorance!

(it was James Lovelock, an atmospheric chemist, put forward the theory that the earth as a whole is a living, self – organizing system. This theory is known as ‘ Gaia theory’.)

The mounting evidences are putting into test and challenging, the widely accepted

‘Neo Darwinian’ theory of evolution, which is based on the concept of Natural selection through the survival of the fittest by competition. But, according to Margulis (a microbiologist who had done extensive research on microorganisms) the impetus of evolution is not competition but co-operation. This theory is known as ‘Symbiogenesis’.

Lamark, who proposed the theory of evolution for the first time, postulated that there is an innate nature in every living being to get evolved.

Mankind is only a test specimen of the Cosmos , which could stop to exist or become extinct in a short span of time. We should be very happy if we are, at the least, a link to a higher form (superman?) or play the role of an ancestor. But the way things go, the prospect looks very bleak- molesting the environment with total disregard and disrespect to the mother Earth. We have named the skillful man, Homo habilis. The future species may rename us ‘Homo stupid’(‘stupid man’ instead of ‘wise man’)

When are we going to stop playing God? Mankind may be an ultra short passing business of the Cosmos.

RELIGIOUS STRIFE

RELIGIOUS STRIFE

Co-operation was the anvil of progress for the biocosm. Competition was simply a tactic for minor corrections on its path. Till man was created it was all food chain, feed back loop and hence, ecofriendly. As he ate the so-called ‘fruit of knowledge’ (used as a metaphor only) he became aware of himself. He had no respect for co-operation. He believed only in competition. Cain killed Abel or our ancestors killed their kins the Homo habilis and the Homo erectus and we called ourselves ‘the wise’ – ‘Homo sapiens’ - Conceited and Ironical.

Of course initially it was a strife between the species, later it was the fight between the races. Now we have graduated to kill in the name of religion.

Religion is nothing but politicized (organized) faith. I feel Karal Marx was very compassionate and sympathetic to religion. He said “Religion is the sign of the oppressed creature; the sentiment of the heartless world and the soul of the soulless condition. It is the opium of the people.”

I would prefer to join Jonathan Swift “we have enough religion to make us hate, but not enough to make us love one another.”

Thrissur

3/1/2003 Dr. Varghese Mani.

depression

OFF – TRACK

Our rich heritage is one that we oft gloat over, beef our chest for and feel proud of. All things have got an end-good or bad. Natural cyclic waves (?) have taken the toll and we are passing through a phase of depression.

Highly populous, our country is rich in manpower, however two pronged – positive and negative; which to adopt simply depends on our attitude.

Religious fanaticism and political opportunism are the major two dark forces that holds us back and puts us down. “Who has said?” is always the question, “what is said?” is never. It is all treason; the list is exhaustive and the hope is afar. But, where does the crux of the problem lie?

I had a small cage for ‘love birds’. From three pairs, when it has grown to ten I rejoiced – vivacious colours, melodious cooing and sweet chirpling. One night, I woke up hearing unusual sounds of frightened clatter and frantic flapping and to my utter dismay found the beautiful nymphs turned fierce fighters. My heart fell that morning, seeing a few dead and the kins pecking on the carcass. It was only the beginning. No, there was no scarcity for food. Then why? Have they taken a liking for their kin’s flesh and blood? – Cannibalism. I am baffled, bewildered and of course depressed.

Oh! Rev. Malthus, it is not the food alone, there is something more; shelter, save, security? I know not what? Can anybody help?

veyem

* * * * * * *

WEEP MY MOTHERLAND

veeyem

The recent dastardly activities of the activists of fanaticism and slaves of unchanging dogmas slaughtered hope .The crocodile tears of the fame mongers and brain weavers were of no hope.

This lament was once published a few years ago, and numb is my wit to pen anything anew. Hence this repetition:

The invincible wheel of time rolled over the values we held high.

The greedy vultures hovered over to feast on the throbbing remnants

The rumbling clouds grumbled in the eastern dark

The setting sun has painted blood with a vengeance, in the western sky

The evil spirits are dancing in an unholy revelry-spiritual vapidity.

The roaring sea rolled her waves with writhing agony, in the laps of the land

The mother earth is weeping silent, with the eyes set beyond the stars

Should we lament like the disillusioned rebel,

“Farewell hope --------------“

Ah! My grip is lost on the greasy straw of hope.

Adios optimism.

It is time for another ‘Avatar’

mankind

THE BUSINESS, MANKIND

veeyem

The history of the Biocosm undoubtedly reveals the fact that our ‘living planet’ rejects the living species, who falls short of the requisites or who misbehaves – posing a threat to the ecosystem or interrupting the feed back loop.

Examples are aplenty. The great lizards; Dinosaurs ruled the world for 180 million years (an impressive period of time) to become extinct around 70 million years ago.

The, so presumed, more evolved hominid. Australo pithecus, appeared on the planet only 4 million years ago to remain on the face of the earth for a short span of 2.5 million years. Later, hominids of better intelligence (?) like Homo habilis, H. erectus, H. neanderthalis emerged for short periods, to get extinct in a couple of million years. All of them belong to our genera. We humans are scientifically known as Homo sapiens meaning the ‘wise man’.

The modern man (Homo sapiens) appeared only 250000 years ago. How recently! Unfortunately we are unreasonably conceited - deplorable ignorance!

(It was James Lovelock, an atmospheric chemist, while working as a consultant in NASA, proposed the idea that the planet Earth as a whole is a living, self-organizing system. This theory is known as ‘Gaia theory”.)

The mounting evidences are putting into test and challenging, the widely accepted ‘Neo Darwinian’ theory of evolution, which is based on the concept of natural selection through the survival of the fittest by competition. But, according to Margulis (a microbiologist who had done extensive research on microorganisms) the impetus of evolution is not competition but co-operation. This theory is known as ‘Symbiogenesis’.

Lamark, who proposed the theory of evolution for the first time, postulated that there is an innate nature in every living being to get evolved.

Mankind is only a test specimen of the Cosmos, which could stop to exist or become extinct in a short span of time. We should be very happy if we are, at the least, a link to a higher form (superman?) or play the role of an ancestor. But the way the things go, the prospect looks very bleak – molesting the environment with total disregard and disrespect to the mother Earth. We are accelerating to the end point of our existence. As we have named Homo habilis (skillful man) the future species may rename us as ‘Homo foolish’ (‘foolish man’ instead of ‘wise man’)

When are we going to stop playing God? Mankind may be an ultra short passing business of the Cosmos.

chastity

Opinions on chastity; most of them are either partisan or psedo intellectual and never scientific.
Afterall why chastity?
 Half jokingly and half seriously my friend proclaimed “Chastity is lack of
opportunity”. For
the layman it is a rhyming joke. But, it set me thinking “Why Chastity?'

The thinking wheel started rolling bringing out a few facts of life-pleasant
and not so
pleasant.
1.
In all living beings the purpose of sex is reproduction
2.
Sex is a pleasure-full experience
3.
If sex was not pleasurable there would not have been any propagation of
species.
4.
Man has expanded the purpose of sex to pleasure as well. (Procreation is a
recreation
for the creation of life – another rhyming satire)
5.
Variety is the spice of pleasure – why deny it to the women on the name of
chastity?
6.
Chastity means sticking on to one partner.
7.
Male is stronger than female in all mammals and dimorphism is more
pronounced in
lower forms.
8.
In all mammals including humans the society is male dominated – least in
humans.
9.
Chastity is given a moral code and imposed on women by the society –
hypocracy.
10.
In primitive societies the strongest male (the leader) keeps a harem.
(Polygamy is kingly and polyandy is prostitution! undoubtedly – male
chauvinism.)
11.
In humans, the leader need not be physically strong or sexually attractive.
Leadership
depends on multitude of factors. This along with other factors of cultural
evolution paved
the way for male-female coupling inside the society – viz. marriage.
12.
The urge for variety(based on curiosity an innate nature inherited from the ape and evolved to research in man) made both men and women to sneak.
13.
Survival of the fittest is the Darwinian norm.
14.
Humans have expanded it to the prettiest too.
15.
Prettiness is considered an external manifestation of fitness and brightness
16.
Reproduction is the only way to propagate the gene.
17.
Propagating the gene is the main purpose of life (Selfish Gene –Richard
Dawkins)
18.
For women, who ever seeds, half of the child is her genes.
19.
For man there is no way to know that his wife has conceived his child (DNA
scrutiny being
unnatural, doesn’t appeal to emotions and heart).
20.
Poor male, he can ensure the propagation of his gene by ensuring the
chastity of his
female.
*Conclusion*
Man insists on chastity of his woman because of his helplessness (no way to
know) and
natural reasons (urge to propagate) and not because of chauvinism.
 vm 10-09-2007.