"In Conversation" Series
Lecturer:
Prof. Yisrael Aumann (HUJI)
Title:
Why are we Conscious: The Adaptive Function of Consciousness
Abstract:
We propose that the adaptive function of consciousness is to enable the operation of conscious emotions, which drive all we do, except for automatic tasks like breathing. Specifically, they enable the operation of incentives that motivate us to perform tasks that are vital to our lives, like hunger for eating. Indeed, we act because we want to act, and desire is an emotion. Next, we want to act because we expect the action to lead to some positive emotion such as pleasure, enjoyment, satisfaction, comfort, fulfillment, and so on. Finally, to feel this emotion, we must perceive —- consciously experience —- the outer world.
Conscious emotions also operate indirectly, as when driving a car: Though most driving is nonconscious, each particular journey is consciously undertaken for some specific reason; also, emotions operated consciously during the period in which driving was being learned, and for some time afterwards.
Though many different answers to the "Why" question have been proposed in the literature, the above is not among them.
Short Bio:
Born in Germany in 1930, Yisrael Aumann fled with his family to the US in 1938. He studied at the City College of New York and at MIT; in graduate school he met John Nash, which led to a life-long interest in Game Theory. In 1956 he made Aliyah and joined the math department of the Hebrew University; and in 1990, was among the founders of the University's Center for the Study of Rationality.
Location:
Eilat Hall, Feldman Building, Second Floor, Edmond Safra Campus.