The Unconscious Mind

The idea of our brain acting like a parliament interested me because I never really thought about how inherently physical the arguments I have with myself are. While we as humans are relatively aware that we have a subconscious, I do not think most people understand the extent to which our actions are controlled by parts of the brain that we will never have full control of. For example, when you are deciding whether or not to tell someone a secret, one parliamentary system of neurons is competing with the other. How do you decide who wins? After thinking about this for awhile, I realized that the winning party typically varies for me. Originally I thought that the moral side of the brain would be the one that would rationalize and become victorious in such situations. However, in hindsight I realized that the inherent stress of holding onto a secret has influenced my decision making more than I thought. Dr. Eagleman truly made me more conscious of my subconscious. He thoroughly explained the source of our impulses and thus convinced me for the first time that I have more control over my actions than I thought in the past.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

#MeToo Video Art

I am deeply inspired by the #MeToo movement and I believe that everyone should be aware of its importance. I used a pink tint in order to add feminine connotations (although men are also a part of the movement, just not as much). The overlapping audio and video attempts to display the prevalence of this issue and emphasize the fact that sexual assault happens more than one would think. I hope that this video inspires people to speak out and support the movement. I included the credits in the description when I posted it on YouTube, here is the full list: Til It Happens To You, Instrumental - Lady Gaga Halsey Speech: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjRnyFBexq0 Ford Opening Statement: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfc5aG1friU&t=3s Rose McGowan Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5rNnqSG-io&t=19s and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EW3KD4kqqug Gabrielle Union interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ka8rXRKeUpI&t=103s Lady Gaga Speech Clip: https://www.you
Read more

Sticky Note Performance Piece

           Due to my unfortunately high amount of social anxiety, I utilized the anonymity aspect of the Guerrilla Girls. Although unlike them I decided to spread words of love and encouragement for finals season rather than try to be exclusively political. I went out of my way to ensure that no one knew the notes were from me by waiting until I was the only one in the restroom. There are many days that I find myself looking around for a sign that things are going to be okay, and I truly hope that this project gave someone that satisfaction. I covered the women's bathrooms in Straz, Morsani, ICB/Starbucks, Cass, and Vaughn. If I was to go back and do this again I would have tried to use my DSLR camera rather than my phone, use more direct quotes, and include off-campus restrooms as well.
Read more

The Body as a Medium

Art is fluid, art is diverse, and art is everywhere. They very idea of art being confined to simply a paintbrush and canvas is absurd. I see art every time that I walk outside and immerse myself in nature.  While I do not have much artistic talent outside of film, I am inspired by Marina Abramovic's avant-garde approach to art. The more that individuals appreciate the world around them, the more obvious it is that we are surrounded by works of art. When it comes to self expression, rules and restrictions do not apply like they do in the STEM subjects. Abramovic describes the studio as a seclusion that hindered her from truly connecting with the public. To her, it was ludicrous to even consider returning to the confines of classic mediums. While this does not mean that the typical mediums are basic or overused, it just means that the possibilities are endless when it comes to expressing yourself to the furthest extent. In many ways, I relate to this mindset. I have never been very t
Read more