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
Technology
The First Solar-Powered Car Comes at a Hot Price
The Lightyear O is a revolutionary electric car powered by the sun. Developed by a Dutch startup, the four-door sedan has over 50 square feet of solar panels on its roof and hood, generating up to 43 miles of energy a day. With production now underway in Finland, the car does come with a hefty price tag at $262,000, but the company hopes to introduce a more affordable version, the Lightyear 2, by 2025. Read full article here