Intuition and Social Evolution: a New Perspective on Human Consciousness

An innovative study provides another view on the evolution of human consciousness that emphasizes intuition and social functions as important factors in its development. Regardless of ongoing disputes or several theories, scientists are still struggling to figure out why our consciousness evolved from the brain physiology.

Complexity of Consciousness

It is that subjective awareness “embodied” in the body which defines what consciousness is. David Chalmers (1995) argues that no single scientific theory is sufficient to account for this particular phenomenon. More than 20 different theoretical accounts were identified in a recent scoping review involving over 1,000 articles which underlined how complex and controversial consciousness studies can be.

The role of Intuition

Understanding about the concept of consciousness would not be complete without considering the role played by intuition. According to Jacy Reese Anthis, an existential risk scholar, much debate on consciousness is what he calls ‘intuition jousting’- when parties present their strong intuitions against each other. These intuitive beliefs such as mind-body dualism and mental causation are resistant to counter-evidence because they have been developed through our lifetime experience.

Almost every culture’s social concepts including free will, human rights, democracy, justice and morality depend upon these intuitive beliefs. This means we understand our world just as it seems to us without seeking explanations or engaging with formal discourses. However, intuitive beliefs may sometimes mislead us thus interfering with scientific literacy.

Scientific Models versus Intuitive Accounts

For example neuroscientists have attempted to explain conscious experience based on how well it aligns with their materialistic understanding of a physical structure (the brain). Of course there isn’t any known scientific explanation for why certain types of activity in brain tissue should lead one to become aware rather than not being aware but most neuroscientist agree that it does.

Why did consciousness evolve?

Subjective awareness, called consciousness, evolved as part of the evolution of the nervous system. Various theories suggest that the adaptive function of consciousness is to enable volitional movement, associated with will, agency, and individuality. As per tradition, it is thought that consciousness evolved to enhance survival of individuals.

A new view argues that consciousness did not primarily evolve for personal survival but to serve vital social functions. Instead of merely aiding in our own survival, it might exist so as to help us transmit our experiences and feelings which are an advantage for larger societies.

Social Evolutionary Framework

This idea echoes recent developments in genetics that acknowledge how natural selection among people extends beyond just manipulation at genetic levels but also at cultural and societal levels. Brain and cognition evolution has been affected by sociality – a propensity for social connections and living within communities.

Within this perspective on social evolution researchers argue that subjective awareness does not independently drive other psychological processes or behaviors such as initiating action. There is a purpose behind subjective awareness; it enables communication between human beings who live together.

Reconciling Biology and Culture

To offer better scientific accounts for subjective experiences require considering biology alongside culture in shaping patterns of brain development. Subjective awareness is one portion of mental architecture employed by the brain aimed at enhancing species viability. While biological organs such as brains have no sense of responsibility or volition, they are assumed to be governed by laws devised by society and upheld through legal sanctions.

Conclusion

This novel approach questions traditional attitudes, indicating that as much as our biology is inherent in us, consciousness can be fundamentally shaped by roles and interactions in society. By understanding how biology interacts with culture we can come closer to a full scientific explanation of subjective awareness.

---