In reading A World Appears by Michael Pollan I am up to page 84 out of 239 pages. I have covered the introduction, Chapter One on Sentience, and half way through Chapter Two on Feelings.
So far I have learned that “consciousness” can be broken down into four component parts: sentience, feelings, thoughts, and self.
Reading the first chapter on sentience I learned and was reminded that systems are self organizing and strive to maintain homeostasis as compared to entropy and dissolution. To maintain homeostasis systems must sense basic set points for their existence. This phenomenon can be seen in living organisms that must maintain energy levels and certain temperatures as well as boundaries of system interiors and exteriors or in mechanical devices such as a thermostat or other sort of energy regulator like a transformer.
Single cell organisms and living organisms such as plants are self regulating both as individuals and as collectives with other interdependent entities in ecological systems. While these entities are self regulating to decrease uncertainty about the circumstances of their survival (maintenance of homeostasis) they may not be consciously aware of this activity as humans and other mammals can be.
What are the implications of this understanding of sentience as a primitive form of consciousness? It may engender and enhance a reverence and gratitude for the interdependence of all parts of existence. This panpsychism is part of many Earth-centered spiritual traditions which recognize and celebrate the sacred circle of life and instruct us to be aware of and live in harmony with the rhythms of nature.
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