ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS:
Chapter 4: The Biological Mind
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Some people believe that “all you are” is determined by the types and amount of neurotransmitters that ooze through your synaptic gaps and the electrical current in your brain.
Do you think that all of your thoughts, hopes, dreams and aspirations are results of physiological processes; your love, hate, anger, and memories are only at the synaptic level? Why or why not?
How would you explain this to someone who knows nothing about how the brain work?
Chapter 5: The Perceiving Mind
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Imagine that you live in a society where senses are commodities. You are asked to give up one of your senses (hearing, vision, taste, smell, or touch) for the greater good. Which one could you live without most easily?
Visualize going about your normal morning routine (or other routine activity, e.g., a sport, a social event, celebrating a holiday) without this sense. Explain how you would adapt your life. What are some of the challenges you may face?
Chapter 6: The Aware Mind
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Imagine a futuristic world in which the need for sleep has been eliminated. Imagine that you can now take a pill that will allow you to stay awake 24/7, permanently, with no negative effects on health, memory, reaction time, etc. Provide your thoughts on what impact this would have:
On you
In childhood, adolescence, and adulthood
On relationships (family, friendships, romantic relationships)
On whether YOU would take the pill or not, and why
Chapter 7: The Feeling Mind
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Brainstorm a list of needs/motivations. These needs/motivations should encompass all aspects of a very full life—however, YOU decide to define this.
Once YOU have developed comprehensive lists of needs/motivations, organize them into a “Hierarchy of Needs” starting with the most basic of needs/motivations up through the most complex, higher-level needs/motivations– keep the list manageable, with 10 as an upper limit.
Describe your Hierarchy of Needs (You can create a graphic if you think it’s helpful) and answer the following questions for your prompt:
Which motivations/needs did you place at the lowest level? How much consensus do you expect to see when comparing your list to others?
Which motivations/needs did you place at the top?
How has the pandemic changed what you value most?
HOW TO WORK ON THIS ASSIGNMENT (EXAMPLE ESSAY / DRAFT)
The human brain is a complex organ that is responsible for all of our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Some people believe that our entire being is determined solely by the activity of neurotransmitters in our brains. They argue that our thoughts, emotions, and memories are all simply the result of chemical reactions occurring in our brains. However, I do not agree with this viewpoint.
While it is true that neurotransmitters play a critical role in shaping our thoughts and emotions, they are not the sole determinant of who we are. Our experiences, upbringing, and environment also play a significant role in shaping our personality, beliefs, and aspirations. Moreover, our thoughts and emotions are not purely chemical reactions, but rather complex phenomena that involve the interaction of various neural networks and cognitive processes.
To explain this to someone who knows nothing about how the brain works, I would use an analogy of a computer. Just like how a computer’s hardware and software work together to perform various functions, our brain’s biological processes and cognitive processes work together to shape who we are. While the hardware is critical, it is not the only determinant of what the computer can do. Similarly, while neurotransmitters are critical for our brain’s functioning, they are not the only determinant of who we are.
Chapter 5: The Perceiving Mind
If I had to give up one of my senses for the greater good, I believe I could live without my sense of smell most easily. While losing any sense would be challenging, the smell is the one that I feel I could adapt to most readily.
Going about my normal morning routine without my sense of smell would mean that I would have to rely on my other senses to navigate my environment. For instance, I would have to be more aware of my surroundings to avoid accidentally stepping on something or bumping into someone. I may also need to rely on other cues, such as changes in temperature or texture, to determine if something is hot or cold or if it is liquid or solid. The biggest challenge I would face is not being able to enjoy the aroma of my morning coffee or breakfast.
Chapter 6: The Aware Mind
If the need for sleep was eliminated and I could stay awake 24/7 with no negative effects, I think it would have a profound impact on society. I would be excited to have more time to pursue my hobbies and interests, spend time with loved ones, and be more productive. However, I am also mindful that sleep serves an important physiological function, and there may be unforeseen consequences to permanently eliminating it.
In childhood and adolescence, the elimination of sleep could have both positive and negative effects. On the one hand, children and teenagers may have more time to study, socialize, and pursue their interests. On the other hand, they may also be more prone to overexertion, stress, and burnout. In adulthood, the elimination of sleep could have a significant impact on work-life balance, as employers may expect employees to work longer hours without rest.
In terms of relationships, the elimination of sleep could provide more opportunities for bonding and socializing. However, it could also lead to increased pressure to be constantly available and responsive to others, potentially leading to burnout and strain on relationships.
As for whether I would take the pill, I would be hesitant. While I am excited about the prospect of having more time, I am also mindful of the potential risks and consequences of permanently eliminating an essential bodily function.
Chapter 7: The Feeling Mind
Needs and motivations are the driving force behind all human behavior, and they encompass a wide range of desires, from basic physiological needs like food and water to higher-level needs like self-actualization and personal growth. After brainstorming a comprehensive list of needs and motivations
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