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Activation Synthesis

Science Comment

One of the most interesting areas of psychology is dreams. While there are many theories about the purpose of dreams, one of the most fascinating (and strongest philosophical implications) is the activation synthesis theory.

The theory basically states that our dreams are products of random neural activity during REM sleep that is converted into plausible stories usually based on the day’s events.

Our brains are constantly reconstructing and synthesizing things from external stimuli to create the complete effect we are familiar with. For example, our brain fills in the blind spot) that results from the rod and cone-free part of the retina where the optic nerve connects to the back of the eye.

What is interesting about the activation synthesis theory of dreams is that entire situations are synthesized with very little preliminary information. Other forms of reconstruction rely heavily on simultaneously-perceived stimuli to “fill in the gaps” whereas these dreams would be only loosely based on recent events with the remainder of the in-dream sensations being synthesized by the brain.

The prospect that complex and “realistic” sensations (such as in lucid dreams) could be fabrications of our brains is both amazing and alarming. If our dreams can be completely artificial, what else is simply our brain’s interpretation of random activity?

An Equation

Philosophy Comment [19]

Expanding on my earlier thoughts on the use of humans for the benefit of others:

Consider a situation involving the loss or sacrifice of one life for the sake of many others. The cure for cancer lies within one innocent human being and cannot be extracted without their death…is the killing justified?

Wishing I Was at SXSW

Personal Comment [12]

First, congratulations to Bryan and the 9rules for winning the Blog and Community categories respectively at SXSW, I couldn’t think of a more deserving group.

After seeing what a blast everyone’s having down there, I’ve decided that I will make my first visit to the conference next year. I know it’s a little early since this year’s event still hasn’t ended, but I’m really excited about finally meeting everyone and maybe even learning a thing or two.

In other news, my first big project at work has just gone live and I’m really happy about the way it turned out (it took a mammoth of a CSS file too).

Update: Just to clear things up, I don’t design anything at work, just front-end coding stuff. I only wish I could do some of the stuff the designer makes.

Human Resources

Philosophy Comment [3]

For those students who have not found the same “university” learning experience as they had envisioned, I would recommend that you visit every professor’s office hours regularly. It is through these office hours and the resulting connections that I have been able to experience the only real learning I’ve ever done.

Reform digg

Web Comment [9]

Like countless others, one of the first websites I visit every day is digg.

Unfortunately, I am being tempted to move to a more professional source such as Newsvine because of the multitude of “DUdes check out thsi sweet googel video” stories that litter the homepage.

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I am a seventeen year old freshman at the University at Buffalo majoring in Biomedical Sciences. If you have any questions about this website or would like to work with me on a web design project, feel free to contact me

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