Limited Consciousness and Mental Activity in the Environments

Abstract

Throughout human history, philosophers have puzzled over the existence of “mind, ” “soul, ” and “spirit. ” In our age of science and technology, biochemistry and neuroscience have been limelighted in the study of brain function, providing us a better understanding of the mechanisms of consciousness and the human mind. The author describes mainly that (1) mental activity is controlled by the state of consciousness, especially when one lives within limited closed environments, (2) there is a systematic material circulation between humans and their environments, and (3) neural transmission, the basic brain activity, is also a material process. He also describes the functional relationship between the limbic system and the cortex, with the former controlling emotional activity as well as instincts and desires. One of the categories of emotion-mood-seems to be closely related to environmental changes. He mentions various environmental factors which might cause several psychiatric symptoms, such as depressive states, lack of initiative, lack of sleep, etc. He concludes that functioning of the limbic system and cortex have to be well balanced for individuals to be regarded as normal (healthy). The problem, however, is how to do this because this balance is found in the relationship between humans and their environment. Too much rational influence must be avoided and too much emotional response must also be controlled. Our surrounding environment must be designed in such a way as to give us more temporal and spatial, as well as, social allowance.