Conciousness Flashcards
What is meant by William James’ phrase “Stream of consciousness?
stream of consciousness:
that our thoughts are ever-changing and flowing through ideas, constantly interrupting itself
How is our conscious experience: Continuous,
– never empty
– our thoughts flow from one thought to the next.
Ever-changing, Personal and Selective
How is our conscious experience: Ever-changing
– It constantly changes as we become aware of new information.
How is our conscious experience: Personal
– it relies on our own thoughts, —- feelings
– perceptions
How is our conscious experience: Selective?
we choose to focus on some things and ignore
others
what is the difference between normal waking consciousness and an altered state of consciousness?
normal waking consciousness: awake, alert, aware of surroundings, time passes normally
altered state of consciousness: not alert, not aware of surroundings, time passes differently
- sleep, daydreaming, coma
Normal waking consciousness
- examples
When we:
— Are awake and aware of your thoughts feelings and perceptions
— both internally and from the external world.
Eg:
You’re sitting in a café, thinking about your coffee, then suddenly remember you need to send an email.
Altered states of consciousness.
- examples
Is used :
— To describe a state of consciousness that
is distinctly different from normal waking consciousness
— In terms of the level of
awareness and experience.
Examples:
- sleep
- daydreaming
- Drug-induced ASC
- coma
Normal waking consciousness vs altered states of consciousness
Awareness in NWC
Time passes: Typically
Reality: Typical
Emotional awareness: Typical
Attention: selective
Awareness in ASC
Time passes: distorted
Reality: distorted
Emotional awareness: Minimal
Attention: inattentive
Why is sleep an example of an altered state of consciousness?
- Awareness of the outside world decreases.
- The mind goes through different stages, like dreaming.
- Perceptions and thoughts change from normal waking consciousness.
