Tuesday, November 22, 2005
An Introduction to the Phenomena of Sleep Paralysis
Sleep paralysis is fairly common. In order to understand it I would like to define the word paralysis “Paralysis is the complete loss of muscle function in one or more muscle groups” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paralysis). Sleep paralysis is a condition characterized by a paralyzed feeling of the body shortly after waking up. It can also occur shortly before falling asleep. There are actually five stages of sleep; the first stage is stage one. While in this stage of sleep a person may experience auditory, visual, or tactile hallucinations. This is known as hypnagogic hallucinations. This state of sleep may even be accompanied by a full body paralysis. In many cases of hypnagogic hallucinations, the individual is aware that these are hallucinations, however. The scary part is the inability to respond to them. Stage two, three, and four, are dreaming states. After stage two, the body begins to slow down its normal processes, and although a person is considered to be conscious, their body is in a state of complete control. Stage five is an important factor to this discussion. Stage five is defined as a “REM” stage (Rapid eye movement). It is said “that sleep paralysis occurs when the brain is awakened from a REM state into essentially a fully awake state”. However, it seems that bodily paralysis is still occurring. If this is true then, in this circumstance it would cause a person to be fully aware but unable to move. During these episodes it is common to sense a presence of something or someone in the room with you. In addition, most commonly, people who endure this phenomenon may experience auditory hallucinations or visual hallucinations. In the more rear cases of sleep paralysis people may feel like they are falling or they may sense a vibration or feel held down in some way. Although, sleep paralysis is a common phenomenon, scientists, and psychologists are still uncertain as to the causes of it. It is suggested that there is a positive correlation between people that experience it and the people who suffer from narcolepsy. People with narcolepsy often experience irresistible tiredness. It is also suggested that sleeping upwards may increase the likelihood that one will experience an episode of sleep paralysis. In addition, it is said that the likelihood can be increased by irregular sleep, stress, and sudden changes in ones lifestyle. According to researchers sleep paralysis is not harmful to the subjects. However, in other cultures, including, Japanese, Newfoundland, Mexico, Tukish, Southern United States, Indonesia, and China, the cause is considered to be somewhat evil. For example, Chinese culture, in general considers the phenomenon to be caused by a ghost, or a spirit. In general, in Mexico, they consider it to be caused by the dead getting on top of the subject. Although, we have not figured out what would cause such an episode, many theorists have tried giving plausible explanations. My theory is that the brain and the body are separate components of our consciousness. If this is true then it is plausible that our sense of sight, touch, taste, and even smell can be active, even if our body is not. In this case, if we were to fall asleep and suddenly awake, Can it be possible that the part of our brain that controls our conscious state can become active, meanwhile, the parts of the brain that control our motor system and nervous systems are not?
Thursday, November 10, 2005
Memories
Memory seems to be a process by which we store, and retain information over a period of time. The question is how does the process for putting information into memory work? Does it work like a computer by the encoding and storage concepts and if so how does stored information get recalled, meaning how do we retrieve it? In addition to this quandary is the idea of forgetting. What is forgetting and how does it happen?
The encoding process of memory is the transformation as well as the transfer of information. This information is chosen carefully by selective attention. Therefore, when we focus on a particular set of stimuli or events the information is encoded. The information is encoded at different levels of processing, however. Take for example, when process a word, we can either look focus on the physical characters that make up the word which is called shallow processing. Secondly, we can pronounce or sound the word out, which is called phonemic processing. Thirdly, we can try to understand the meaning of the word, which is called semantic processing; it seems that encoding would vary based on the method that we used. In addition, encoding can also be enhanced by introducing visual imagery, elaborating, and making the topic or experience personal, otherwise known as relevant to you. You can also use the chunking methodology, which is organizing the material to be remembered in groups. Enhancement of encoding is also possible by grouping information to be remembered in categories and possibly into hierarchies consisting of major and minor concepts, otherwise know as the hierarchies method.
Now that we have discussed what encoding is, how to increase the amount of information that you are trying to remember. We can look at how the memories are stored. Memory is stored by means of three memory systems, they are sensory memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory. Sensory memory is said to preserve incoming sensory information, in its real sensory form. In addition, it has been suggestion that the duration that information can be kept in the sensory memory is about a second or two. These bits of information are called traces. A visual trace is called an icon trace, and auditory trace is called and echo. Sensory information extends the duration of the perception of stimuli long enough that they can be recognized, encoded, and relayed to conscious awareness. When information is given our full attention, known as selective attention it then can be transferred to our short-term memory. The information that is stored in the form of sensory memory is either transferred to short-term memory or it is lost forever.
When information is lost forever, it is called fading.
Our short-term memory is just that, the duration of our short-term memory is suggested to be 30 seconds. Although some scientists believe, the maximum interval can extend to 2 minutes or so. The information that is stored in our short-term memory is said to either advance into long-term memory or decay, or disappear forever.
Our long-term memory, however, is said to be permanent. There does not seem to be a limit on the capacity of which information can be stored. In addition it is suggested that the information that is gathered and stored in the long-term has once been stored in the short-term memory, however, through the process of elaborative rehearsal we have transferred the information from the short-term to the long-term memory bank. There are many types of long term-memories, such as, procedural memories, episodic memory, and semantic memory.
Procedural memory is the retention of stimuli-response associations and patterns of procedural responses. Episodic memory is memories of life events or experiences. And semantic memory is knowledge of words, symbols, or concepts and the rules for their manipulation or usage, such as in a language. There is also a very important memory system called metamemory.
The encoding process of memory is the transformation as well as the transfer of information. This information is chosen carefully by selective attention. Therefore, when we focus on a particular set of stimuli or events the information is encoded. The information is encoded at different levels of processing, however. Take for example, when process a word, we can either look focus on the physical characters that make up the word which is called shallow processing. Secondly, we can pronounce or sound the word out, which is called phonemic processing. Thirdly, we can try to understand the meaning of the word, which is called semantic processing; it seems that encoding would vary based on the method that we used. In addition, encoding can also be enhanced by introducing visual imagery, elaborating, and making the topic or experience personal, otherwise known as relevant to you. You can also use the chunking methodology, which is organizing the material to be remembered in groups. Enhancement of encoding is also possible by grouping information to be remembered in categories and possibly into hierarchies consisting of major and minor concepts, otherwise know as the hierarchies method.
Now that we have discussed what encoding is, how to increase the amount of information that you are trying to remember. We can look at how the memories are stored. Memory is stored by means of three memory systems, they are sensory memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory. Sensory memory is said to preserve incoming sensory information, in its real sensory form. In addition, it has been suggestion that the duration that information can be kept in the sensory memory is about a second or two. These bits of information are called traces. A visual trace is called an icon trace, and auditory trace is called and echo. Sensory information extends the duration of the perception of stimuli long enough that they can be recognized, encoded, and relayed to conscious awareness. When information is given our full attention, known as selective attention it then can be transferred to our short-term memory. The information that is stored in the form of sensory memory is either transferred to short-term memory or it is lost forever.
When information is lost forever, it is called fading.
Our short-term memory is just that, the duration of our short-term memory is suggested to be 30 seconds. Although some scientists believe, the maximum interval can extend to 2 minutes or so. The information that is stored in our short-term memory is said to either advance into long-term memory or decay, or disappear forever.
Our long-term memory, however, is said to be permanent. There does not seem to be a limit on the capacity of which information can be stored. In addition it is suggested that the information that is gathered and stored in the long-term has once been stored in the short-term memory, however, through the process of elaborative rehearsal we have transferred the information from the short-term to the long-term memory bank. There are many types of long term-memories, such as, procedural memories, episodic memory, and semantic memory.
Procedural memory is the retention of stimuli-response associations and patterns of procedural responses. Episodic memory is memories of life events or experiences. And semantic memory is knowledge of words, symbols, or concepts and the rules for their manipulation or usage, such as in a language. There is also a very important memory system called metamemory.
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
Memory
Looking at memory
We have the ideas of: reconstructing the past which consist of the way we tend to manufacture memory, as well as the influence of fading flashbulbs. Secondly, we have the notion of memory and the power of our suggestions. Inside of this realm is the eyewitness trial, vs. children’s testimonies. Even further in our inspection of what memory is as well as what it consists of we have the actual pursuit of memory. This is the means of measuring memory, and constructing models of memory. Finally, we build a three-box model of what memory is. This model consist of sensory memory, short-term memory, and long term memory. After all is said and done we mustn’t forget the biological components of our capacity to remember. Therefore, we must examine how are neurons and synapses change during the process of memorization. In other words where is memory located? How do are hormones contribute to our ability to remember? Furthermore, how do we remember? Is memory a rehearsal of some sort, if so why do we forget? Is forgetting related to decay, replacement, or interference of some sort? If so wouldn’t that mean that our environment or experience have more influence on our ability to remember than our biological dispositions?
We have the ideas of: reconstructing the past which consist of the way we tend to manufacture memory, as well as the influence of fading flashbulbs. Secondly, we have the notion of memory and the power of our suggestions. Inside of this realm is the eyewitness trial, vs. children’s testimonies. Even further in our inspection of what memory is as well as what it consists of we have the actual pursuit of memory. This is the means of measuring memory, and constructing models of memory. Finally, we build a three-box model of what memory is. This model consist of sensory memory, short-term memory, and long term memory. After all is said and done we mustn’t forget the biological components of our capacity to remember. Therefore, we must examine how are neurons and synapses change during the process of memorization. In other words where is memory located? How do are hormones contribute to our ability to remember? Furthermore, how do we remember? Is memory a rehearsal of some sort, if so why do we forget? Is forgetting related to decay, replacement, or interference of some sort? If so wouldn’t that mean that our environment or experience have more influence on our ability to remember than our biological dispositions?
Saturday, November 05, 2005
A Philosophical approach to Understanding the Motivation of Free Will
Can Western Families Be Influenced By Religious Doctrines?
A philosophical approach to understanding the motivation of free will
Family life in America could be strengthened by attention and adherence to the doctrines and practices of Hinduism, and Islam. Western cultures tend to have an individualistic orientation and other cultures, a collectivist orientation. The differences between these two cultures seem to influence people’s attitudes. Eastern doctrine seems to promote obedience and western doctrine seems to endorse individualism and freedom. In my paper I will explore what Hinduism could contribute to families in the west. In addition, I will look at the difference between Islam and Christianity and pinpoint specific things that I think cause problems in today’s social settings in the west. I will also examine the possible disadvantages of religion as it relates to human existence. However, I would like to start with a few thoughts about how religion can effect personal development.
Does the phrase “we must get to know ourselves before we can know anyone else” have any legitimacy? If so you may also agree that to truly know oneself is to be able to control all reactions caused by ones emotions. Some types of emotions one could feel are depression, sorrow, fear, frustration, happiness, and jealousy. It seems that out of these emotions fear is the cause of jealousy, jealousy is the driver of depression and sorrow and frustration are the effects. In order to get out of a mind state in which depression is the dominating factor one may have to except the circumstances by which they are depressed about. By comparing the difference between what they do and what they don’t have one may be able to achieve this goal. These feelings of dejection can cause families to become unstable or dysfunctional. However, what if we could be conditioned overcome the fears that could create such emotions?
It seems that throughout western history religion and family have been two institutions linked together through relationships of dependency and control. Religious institutions depend on families to pass on the rituals and beliefs of its particular faith tradition. And in turn religions provided moral guidelines that shape those families practices, and the organization of their life. The difference between this lifestyle and the others seems to be the cause for conflict. If one were to make a notion that a family that follows a faith tradition is a “good family”, they must also say a family that doesn’t support a tradition is a “bad family” or simply is not a good family. Looking at these two families as it relates to Christianity, we can say that a family that has a conviction towards this faith might be less inclined to fear natural occurrences. Therefore, we may see a lower rate of depression within families of faith than in families without. With this, what happens to our communities?
As I stated in my second paragraph depression can alter the relationship that one has with their family, therefore, having a faith can be a benefit for their individual social settings. However, with this type of lifestyle one may not see that problems like pollution, litter, and homelessness are of their responsibility.
In addition, they may not be accepted among other social groups and groups of different faith. It may be true that introducing faith into family settings could enhance the relationship between the members; however, it could also rattle the relationship of humanity. What can be introduced into the west to balance this equation? I think that by adopting the 3rd pillar of Islam which is an obligation of Muslims to pay a small percentage of their wealth towards “Zakat”, which is used for the benefit of the needy and the poor is one step forward. This act exemplifies a means of social justice, order and respect for Gods creation. However, in order to maintain this principle we must add a regulation. It seems that nothing is more controlling than fear and all emotions are driven by fear.
Hinduisms may be the place to turn to. The principal of Karma may be a stepping stone that the west could use to complete the equation. We can think of it as immediate karma, for example, “what goes around comes around” (in this life) or we may also think of it like the Hindus did (your current life determines the path of you next life). Karma is based on the ideas of cause and effect. Therefore, anything one does in this life will affect your future or ones next life. Take for example the idea of homelessness. Are people homeless because they are paying a debt to karma? If so why should we help them? This seems to be the question posed about karma. Although it is hard to answer I would like to take as shot at it by saying this, in order for karma to be relevant, negative and positives notions of it must exist. With the idea of someone doing something negative (evil) you obtain bad karma. By looking at this I examine how karma could work. Karma is a positive energy field that attracts negative energy. It prevents positive energies from entering and negative energies from exiting. If this is true then goal is to make the energy field neutral, but how does one do that? It seems that the only way to do is by good deeds. If we do things out of heart with care and compassion we produce positive energy with in us. That energy is able push the negative energy out of us. In the process the surrounding negative energy builds up and as soon at it reaches an equilibrium point with the positive it the field becomes neutral. Therefore, by helping the homeless we are doing good deeds and maintaining a neutral energy field.
All religions have something to contribute to the fundamental values of human life. However, for the most part, they are convictions that tend to separate the ideas of different social groups; therefore, one may never be able to agree on beliefs and issues of another social group which could cause conflicts. However, if there was only one thing to believe in it seems that there would more skeptics than believers. It seems to me that the plan of God is to unite the creation with its creator. The only way to complete task seems to be to bring the creation together as one. How is this possible? To achieve this one needs to have a common notion “there is a God”, it seems that everything that leads up to “there is a God” is the hook used to make the catch. If one could use many different types of hooks to catch a fish, then is it possible that one could use many types of stairwells to get to God as well?
A philosophical approach to understanding the motivation of free will
Family life in America could be strengthened by attention and adherence to the doctrines and practices of Hinduism, and Islam. Western cultures tend to have an individualistic orientation and other cultures, a collectivist orientation. The differences between these two cultures seem to influence people’s attitudes. Eastern doctrine seems to promote obedience and western doctrine seems to endorse individualism and freedom. In my paper I will explore what Hinduism could contribute to families in the west. In addition, I will look at the difference between Islam and Christianity and pinpoint specific things that I think cause problems in today’s social settings in the west. I will also examine the possible disadvantages of religion as it relates to human existence. However, I would like to start with a few thoughts about how religion can effect personal development.
Does the phrase “we must get to know ourselves before we can know anyone else” have any legitimacy? If so you may also agree that to truly know oneself is to be able to control all reactions caused by ones emotions. Some types of emotions one could feel are depression, sorrow, fear, frustration, happiness, and jealousy. It seems that out of these emotions fear is the cause of jealousy, jealousy is the driver of depression and sorrow and frustration are the effects. In order to get out of a mind state in which depression is the dominating factor one may have to except the circumstances by which they are depressed about. By comparing the difference between what they do and what they don’t have one may be able to achieve this goal. These feelings of dejection can cause families to become unstable or dysfunctional. However, what if we could be conditioned overcome the fears that could create such emotions?
It seems that throughout western history religion and family have been two institutions linked together through relationships of dependency and control. Religious institutions depend on families to pass on the rituals and beliefs of its particular faith tradition. And in turn religions provided moral guidelines that shape those families practices, and the organization of their life. The difference between this lifestyle and the others seems to be the cause for conflict. If one were to make a notion that a family that follows a faith tradition is a “good family”, they must also say a family that doesn’t support a tradition is a “bad family” or simply is not a good family. Looking at these two families as it relates to Christianity, we can say that a family that has a conviction towards this faith might be less inclined to fear natural occurrences. Therefore, we may see a lower rate of depression within families of faith than in families without. With this, what happens to our communities?
As I stated in my second paragraph depression can alter the relationship that one has with their family, therefore, having a faith can be a benefit for their individual social settings. However, with this type of lifestyle one may not see that problems like pollution, litter, and homelessness are of their responsibility.
In addition, they may not be accepted among other social groups and groups of different faith. It may be true that introducing faith into family settings could enhance the relationship between the members; however, it could also rattle the relationship of humanity. What can be introduced into the west to balance this equation? I think that by adopting the 3rd pillar of Islam which is an obligation of Muslims to pay a small percentage of their wealth towards “Zakat”, which is used for the benefit of the needy and the poor is one step forward. This act exemplifies a means of social justice, order and respect for Gods creation. However, in order to maintain this principle we must add a regulation. It seems that nothing is more controlling than fear and all emotions are driven by fear.
Hinduisms may be the place to turn to. The principal of Karma may be a stepping stone that the west could use to complete the equation. We can think of it as immediate karma, for example, “what goes around comes around” (in this life) or we may also think of it like the Hindus did (your current life determines the path of you next life). Karma is based on the ideas of cause and effect. Therefore, anything one does in this life will affect your future or ones next life. Take for example the idea of homelessness. Are people homeless because they are paying a debt to karma? If so why should we help them? This seems to be the question posed about karma. Although it is hard to answer I would like to take as shot at it by saying this, in order for karma to be relevant, negative and positives notions of it must exist. With the idea of someone doing something negative (evil) you obtain bad karma. By looking at this I examine how karma could work. Karma is a positive energy field that attracts negative energy. It prevents positive energies from entering and negative energies from exiting. If this is true then goal is to make the energy field neutral, but how does one do that? It seems that the only way to do is by good deeds. If we do things out of heart with care and compassion we produce positive energy with in us. That energy is able push the negative energy out of us. In the process the surrounding negative energy builds up and as soon at it reaches an equilibrium point with the positive it the field becomes neutral. Therefore, by helping the homeless we are doing good deeds and maintaining a neutral energy field.
All religions have something to contribute to the fundamental values of human life. However, for the most part, they are convictions that tend to separate the ideas of different social groups; therefore, one may never be able to agree on beliefs and issues of another social group which could cause conflicts. However, if there was only one thing to believe in it seems that there would more skeptics than believers. It seems to me that the plan of God is to unite the creation with its creator. The only way to complete task seems to be to bring the creation together as one. How is this possible? To achieve this one needs to have a common notion “there is a God”, it seems that everything that leads up to “there is a God” is the hook used to make the catch. If one could use many different types of hooks to catch a fish, then is it possible that one could use many types of stairwells to get to God as well?
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