Some people like Aldous Huxley regard the brain as a reducing value that limits perception to keep the input manageable. It filters what we perceive. Otherwise, we'd be overwhelmed.
I recall the author of Brain Wars arguing along those lines as well. He seemed to suggest that psychedelic drugs perhaps impair the brain's filtering function.
Serendipitous savant triablogue.blogspot.com/2012/05/serendipitous-savant.html
ReplyDeleteOther interesting savants include Daniel Tammet
ReplyDeletee.g. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AbASOcqc1Ss
Kim Peek
e.g. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2T45r5G3kA
I also find synesthesia intriguing
e.g. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWGNWgBk76k
Hyperthymesia (AKA superior autobiographical memory)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyperthymesia
Here's a link to an episode of 60 Minutes that dealt with the topic
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zTkBgHNsWM
Actress Marilu Henner has been diagnosed with hyperthymesia.
I can imagine someone pointing out that these are cases of the exact opposite : matter over mind.
ReplyDeleteHow does one account for these abilities? Are they latent within all of us?
ReplyDeleteSome people like Aldous Huxley regard the brain as a reducing value that limits perception to keep the input manageable. It filters what we perceive. Otherwise, we'd be overwhelmed.
ReplyDeleteI recall the author of Brain Wars arguing along those lines as well. He seemed to suggest that psychedelic drugs perhaps impair the brain's filtering function.
ReplyDelete