Consciousness, thoughts anyone?

Interesting topic!I'm really enjoying getting into the philosophical aspects of consciousness through this thread, since, unsurprisingly, I'm more versed in the biological and biochemical aspects of the brain. Serotonin, norepinephrine, acetylcholine and others mediate and may even be thought to cause certain cortical processes (e.g. false memories, etc...), and serve as a basis for consciousness. Mess with any of them through chemical or physical means, and consciousness becomes, shall we say, altered.I'd have to do a little reading in my buried textbooks about general anesthesia, but I'd be particularly interested in how it seems to "remove" consciousness from a philosophical versus biological standpoint. And do the various prescription antidepressant or psychotropic medications (to say nothing of the myriad illicit substances out there ) actually serve to create an artificial consciousness by way of altering the neurochemicals?Just thought I'd put a different spin on the subject.Have a good one. p.s. It's a shame about 'ol Darrell, innit? An all-around likeable guy and damn fine guitarist.

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"My own suspicion is that the Universe is not only queerer than we suppose, but queerer than we can suppose. J.B.S Haldane 1892-1964

Wow, CS, I'm impressed. Some pretty heavy stuff there. Coincidentally, I recently went to a Megadeth concert for which Children of Bodom opened, along with Job For A Cowboy and In Flames. How the hell those guys can get up there and make some of the sounds they make without causing lasting tracheal damage is beyond me. Megadeth is more my speed, but it was cool to see some of the heavier shit out there.Recently I went to see Metallica (AWESOME!), and Lamb of God and Gojira opened. Ever listen to either of them? They're OK, if a little "me too".But give me a little Cowboys From Hell anyday. Have a good one.

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"My own suspicion is that the Universe is not only queerer than we suppose, but queerer than we can suppose. J.B.S Haldane 1892-1964

Hey Hyro.Mise well keep it off topic, eh? ... Have to totally agree with you here. Fortunately, I can count on one hand how many tracks from the Death Magnetic album they played--the rest was all classic Metallica. Doesn't it just suck when you slap down 80 bucks and all you hear from the band is the new shit, most of which just blows? I think Hetfield and crew have been around long enough to know what the fans want.I guess Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer and Anthrax are collaborating for a tour in Europe, but I'm crossing my fingers that they'll bring it over here. Can you imagine? How could you not go to see all four of the biggest thrasher bands of all time? *shivers*Mayhemfest looks quality. Enjoy that.Have a good one.

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"My own suspicion is that the Universe is not only queerer than we suppose, but queerer than we can suppose. J.B.S Haldane 1892-1964

Hey Oni. Aw, c'mon dude. Don't be a Dave-hater. I do like the occasional death metal excursion, but I like to say I'm an equal opportunity music lover, except when it comes to country. But c'mon. Be open. At least go for the bass and acoustic guitar work, horns, and bare-bones musicianship. Sometimes I can hate a genre but still be moved to tears by the sheer musical talent of a performer. But hey, if you're tortured and you really need something to focus on, watch what his hands do on the neck of his guitar. It's really amazing. He's all OVER that thing, just differently than someone like Hetfield or Mustaine.What do you listen to, mostly?Have a good one.

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"My own suspicion is that the Universe is not only queerer than we suppose, but queerer than we can suppose. J.B.S Haldane 1892-1964

She's a fan club member, isn't she? I know some like her... I hear ya. But not country. Anything but that. Have a good one.