Descartes called non-human animals “beast machines”: fleshy beings incapable of self-reflection, and therefore, consciousness. However, Anil Seth argues that it is instead the fact that we are flesh-and-blood that stimulates consciousness in the first place. Our emotions and moods are rooted in our brain’s drive to keep us alive. We experience these emotions in relation to our world; we fear something will hurt us, for example. It is these emotions produced by our fleshy bodies that he believes is the root of consciousness. Read full article here
Societal Issues
To curb drug deaths, communities turn to Reddit, texts and wastewater
With drug overdose deaths on the rise, authorities are attempting to curb the epidemic by tracking and sharing information in real time. In one unique effort, a nonprofit in New York City is using drug-testing equipment and stamping or marking habits of dealers to identify drug batches that may endanger users. Other approaches are also being used, such as monitoring drug-related chatter on Reddit and analyzing local wastewater for opioid and other drug levels. With the combination of these efforts, researchers hope to put a dent in the opioid crisis and reduce overdose deaths. Read full article here
Merv
June 1, 2023
