XPost: alt.philosophy, alt.atheism, talk.atheism   
   From: ralph@eddlewood.demon.co.uk   
      
   In message <1141515690.679450.11850@u72g2000cwu.googlegroups.com>,   
   Joseph H  writes   
   >   
   >But - and this is where I'm coming to - a particular experience or a   
   >particular perception or a particular wish can blow all this   
   >conservatism out the window and can galvanise the self into   
   >extraordinary action. So far this debate has avoided the topic of   
   >feelings - but feelings, for another person or for a nation or   
   >religion, can transform a self.   
      
   Sure, that's why I said:   
      
   Now, most of the discussion has been about the nervous system. Since   
   most of us have pretty similar nervous systems, my references to   
   memories is the key difference. They embody all our experiences we have   
   had, all the knowledge we have acquired,   
      
   * all the emotions we have been through, *   
      
   as modified by our genetic makeup, and form our character, or self, as   
   mediated by our bodily characteristics   
      
   > The point I'm trying to make is that   
   >self is far more dynamic and tenuous a concept than is allowed by most   
   >of the discussion in these postings.   
      
   I completely accept that selves can change as you suggest, Joseph, but I   
   don't think it happens often. And if it does happen, I still believe   
   that  it is a reaction to current circumstances, moderated by the   
   physicality and memories of the individual.   
      
   Is there another constituent that you feel should be added, Joseph?   
      
   --   
   ralph   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)