Jeremy

I admit I'm pretty new in my exposure to Objectivism. I have purchased many of the books, and am working my way through them. I have also spent a lot of time reading various threads here on this forum, and listening to online lectures by Peikoff. The question I keep coming back to, which I cannot seem to find an answer, is this: "What is the origin of consciousness?" Probably the preliminary question is this: "What is consciousness?" From what I understand so far, Objectivism seems to state that consciousness arises from existence, and is an attribute of some existing entities. As such, consciousness arises from the mind's abilities of sensory perception, memory, and abstraction. Is this close? Help me understand. And if I AM close to the Objectivism view of consciousness, here are my two follow-up questions: How does something that is purely material develop the abilities for sensory perception, memory, and abstraction? What is stopping an advanced AI from gaining consciousness?

Thanks for the thoughtful reply. I can tell by some of your terminology that you have experience with Christianity? I did not feel a call to ministry as many pastors describe it. I was very good at pastoral ministry. But in recent years I have become very tired of the hypocrisy that is so prevalent in many churches. (Starting with myself). There is so much that must be hidden or even lied about in order to make it appear that we are becoming more "like Christ," etc. And churches often use guilt and shame to control behavior and to "help those in need." Do I believe in God? Hmm... I am probably now closest to a belief in Spinoza's God, which is one and the same with nature, or maybe "conscious realism," or something like that. I am currently trying to rework a lot of this. I have had many conversations about these things with my wife and children. They understand and are coming along for the journey. However, it appears that my wife and I will be getting a divorce... but for completely different reasons. It is a friendly separation due to what we now recognize as best for both of us. As for math and science ... it is so daunting to think of starting over. Especially as I am working full time (no longer in a church though). But I should start, simply for the love of math and science, if for no other reason... Thanks for the encouragement.

I'm nearly 50. I have recently discovered Ayn Rand and Objectivism and I feel like I've finally found a home. But I'm afraid it's too late... As a child and into my early teen years, I had many dreams and goals of becoming a world-class engineer. I was very good at math and science. Top of my class. But then in my teenage years, religion sunk its teeth into me, and I have spent the last 40 years sacrificing everything about myself. I gave up engineering, math, and science, and went to Bible college and seminary to become a pastor "to serve God." I married someone who would make a good pastor's wife. We had children together. I abandoned all my hopes, dreams, goals, and desires for the sake of religion, and for my family. Now, today, I feel like I am dead. There is nothing left in me that is truly "me." Is it too late for me? I read this thread and feel like maybe I am Peter Keating: I don't think I can go back and start all over. I tried to pick up math and science again this last year, and I have forgotten 99% of it. to start over, I would literally have to begin at Jr. High level math and science. This seems unrealistic at 50 years old. I also can't abandon my wife and kids. Maybe it is too late to "go back and start over" ... but maybe I can work to warn people about self-sacrifice and religious altruism. Any ideas or suggestions?