altered states of consciousness Essays - Philosophy Of Mind

The function and process of perception can vary depending on a particular state of consciousness. Normal waking consciousness is a mental state that encompasses the thoughts, feelings, and perceptions that occur when we are awake and reasonably alert (Morris whether naturally or self-induced. While sensory data is inevitable, the brain's interpretation and perception of such stimuli during an altered state of consciousness will differ from that of waking consciousness. This mini-paper will elaborate on the effects of perception, including its process and function, related to three altered states of consciousness. The first being sleep and dreams, next drug-altered consciousness, followed by hypnosis. Before discussing the effects of perception while in an altered state, an overview of the basic function and process of perception in a normal setting is needed. Sensation is the body's initial encounter with a sensory experience. This begins when the sensory receptors receive energy from a particular stimulus, which trigger receptor cells. The physical energy is converted into electrochemicals, then passes along sensory nerves, to the central nervous system where the brain receives the energy as a detailed message. However, not all physical energy produces a sensation. A minimum intensity, termed absolute threshold, must be achieved in order to produce a sensation. Perception takes place when the message reaches the brain and is then deciphered. Here, the sensory information is organized and interpreted to be made sense of. Using sensory information as raw material, the brain creates perceptual experiences that go beyond what is sensed directly (Morris & Maisto, 2010, p. 106). Again , this is the series of events in the normal waking state of consciousness. During an altered state of consciousness the effect, process, and/or function of perception may vary. Sleep is the body's natural way of recharging itself mentally and physically. Research has shown that adequate sleep contributes to cognitive functioning such as enhanced creativity, decision-making, and problem-solving skills, and also crucial to the formation of long-term memories (Morris However, REM is a deep sleep, it is difficult to wake the person, and is when most dreaming takes place. Dreams, in a way, could be considered perception. The brain subconsciously interprets information without the need of sensory stimulation. Psychologists define dreams as visual and auditory experiences that our minds create during sleep (Morris & Maisto, 2010, p. 131). This is an example of a natural occurrence of altering consciousness. Drug-altered consciousness on the other hand, is self-induced. Psychoactive drugs are substances that change people's moods, perceptions, mental functioning, or behavior (Morris & Maisto, 2010, p. 134). Drugs are taken to purposely alter one's state of consciousness. To analyze the effect drugs have on the nervous system, three categories of drugs will be mentioned: depressants, stimulants, and hallucinogens. Depressants slow behavior, thinking, and perception by increasing or decreasing nerve impulses. Stimulants, such as amphetamines, produce feelings of optimism as well as never-ending energy by stimulating the sympathetic nervous system. These drugs cause the release of norepinephrine from adrenergic nerve endings (Weil, n.d.). Lastly, hallucinogens distort the user's senses and induce perceptual changes by causing experiences that resemble hallucinations. A positive for psychoactive drugs is the ability to explore different parts of the brain while in this altered state of consciousness. Although, the negative consequences of abuse and add iction are high risk. The last section is a technique that has been used for centuries for positivity, without the risk. Hypnosis is a trancelike state in which a person responds readily to suggestions (Morris & Maisto, 2010, p. 150). This is an altered state of consciousness that works like sleep. The subconscious person receives a suggestion, which acts as a stimulus, and is sent to and interpreted by the brain. Hypnosis can help ease pain as well as cure an addiction. In conclusion, perceptual experiences vary in different forms of consciousness. Whether it be the sensory organs or the brain itself, interpretation of the coded message is somehow changed.

SUNY at Purchase College Admissions and Acceptance Rate

SUNY at Purchase College Admissions and Acceptance Rate Students applying to SUNY at Purchase College will need to submit, along with an application, high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, and a personal essay. For complete instructions and information about applying, be sure to visit Purchases website, or contact the admissions office. With an acceptance rate of 44  percent, the school seems selective; still, those with good grades and test scores have a good chance of being admitted. Calculate your chances of getting in with this free tool from Cappex. Admissions Data (2016) SUNY Purchase Acceptance Rate: 44  percentGPA, SAT and ACT Graph for Purchase College AdmissionsTest Scores:  25th / 75th PercentileSAT Critical Reading: 500 / 610SAT Math: 470 / 570What These SAT Numbers MeanSUNY SAT Comparison TableACT Composite: 20  / 27ACT English: 21 / 29ACT Math: 19 / 26What These ACT Numbers MeanSUNY ACT Comparison Table SUNY at Purchase College Description The State University of New York Purchase College occupies a 550-acre campus in Westchester Country, just 35 miles from New York City. The college is unique among the SUNY schools because of its strong conservatory-based arts programs. The college wins high marks for both the arts and the liberal arts and sciences. Purchase College also ranks highly for its educational value. Few high quality conservatory programs come with such low tuition for either in-state or out-of-state applicants. The college is selective, and enrolled students can expect an intense undergraduate experience. The campus is residential with 65 percent of students living on campus, and student life is active with a wide range of clubs, organizations, and intramural sports. On the intercollegiate athletic front, the Purchase College Panthers compete in the NCAA Division III Skyline Conference. Enrollment (2016) Total Enrollment: 4,156  (4,053 undergraduates)Gender Breakdown: 44 percent male / 56 percent female91  percent full-time Costs (2016-17) Tuition and Fees: $8,298  (in-state); $18,148  (out-of-state)Books: $1,298  (why so much?)Room and Board: $12,952Other Expenses: $3,215Total Cost: $25,763  (in-state); $35,613 (out-of-state) Purchase College Financial Aid (2015-16) Percentage of New Students Receiving Aid: 88  percentPercentage of New Students Receiving Types of AidGrants: 58 percentLoans: 55 percentAverage Amount of AidGrants: $7,153Loans: $6,558 Academic Programs Most Popular Majors:  Art History, Dance, Drama, English, Film Production, History, Journalism, Liberal Arts, Music, Psychology, Visual and Performing ArtsWhat major is right for you?  Sign up to take the free My Careers and Majors Quiz at Cappex. Graduation, Retention and Transfer Rates First Year Student Retention (full-time students): 81 percentTransfer Out Rate: 25  percent4-Year Graduation Rate: 53  percent6-Year Graduation Rate: 62  percent Learn About Other SUNY Campuses: Albany  |  Alfred State  |  Binghamton  |  Brockport  |  Buffalo  |  Buffalo State  |  Cobleskill  |  Cortland  |  Env. Science/Forestry  |  Farmingdale  |  FIT  |  Fredonia  |  Geneseo  |  Maritime  |  Morrisville  |  New Paltz  |  Old Westbury  |  Oneonta  |  Oswego  |  Plattsburgh  |  Polytechnic  |  Potsdam  |  Purchase  |  Stony Brook If You Like SUNY Purchase, You May Also Like These Schools: Hofstra University: Profile | GPA-SAT-ACT GraphNew York University: Profile | GPA-SAT-ACT GraphIthaca College: Profile | GPA-SAT-ACT GraphAlfred University: Profile | GPA-SAT-ACT GraphSyracuse University: Profile | GPA-SAT-ACT GraphHunter College (CUNY): Profile | GPA-SAT-ACT GraphBrooklyn College (CUNY): Profile | GPA-SAT-ACT GraphEmerson College: Profile | GPA-SAT-ACT GraphAdelphi University: Profile | GPA-SAT-ACT GraphQueens College (CUNY): Profile | GPA-SAT-ACT Graph Sports   Mens Varsity: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Swimming, Tennis, VolleyballWomens Varsity: Basketball, Cross Country, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Voleyball Data Source: National Center for Educational Statistics