[extropy-chat] "Dead Time" of the Brain

[Heartland]

Hi Jeffrey,

>  "But the main point is that at no time
> during execution of the process the activity of the process stops. Even during
> Planck Intervals matter that implements mind carries potential energy that will
> power a transition from one mind state to the next. In other words, mind process
> exists even during Planck Intervals."

Jeffrey wrote:
"I think this is where things are going to get blurry. I agree, that even while a 
neuron is not firing, biological activity is still occurring. The dendrites are 
collecting neurotransmitters, the cell is conducting basic life support metabolism, 
etc. But a neuron is unique among any other cell in the body - and that lies in its 
role to conduct transmissions. As I understand it, it utilizes two different forms 
of transmission: a chemical one based on diffusion, and an electrical one. But the 
electrical discharge (the firing) is the limiting step in this transmission 
process.  Without these widespread electrical transmissions throughout the brain, 
cognition of any kind would be impossible - the brain would be effectively dead; 
unable to process information. It would be just a lump of tissue that was 
exchanging chemicals, like a liver housed in a skull. So, during those spans where 
no neuron is firing (~10 ^ 29 PI) no relevant process is occurring;"

I view mind as analogous to movement. If I throw a baseball and choose to view its 
flight inside a Planck Interval then I might have to conclude that ball's movement 
ceases to exist during that interval. But this would not be true. Movement exists 
as long as potential and kinetic energies don't dissipate.


>  "On the other hand, when mind stops, there
> exists a point in time when there is no force that can transfer one mind state to
> the next, meaning that the previous instance of that process has run its course.
> That point in time is the time of death."
>
>  Yes, but the atoms and chemicals still exist, they still carry their potential 
> energy, and if the vitrification is sufficiently fine, the structure of the 
> neuron is still in place. If a patient were revived, the neurons would have no 
> "choice" but to continue firing and processing.


But once mind process stops, all that matter and energy no longer contribute to 
implementation of mind process. All the chaotic exchanges of energy no longer power 
transitions from one mind state to the next. In other words, mind no longer 
"moves," to use my earlier analogy.

S.