That said, I have also heard a “paranormal” explanation for them, having to do with the face-like structure created by the two nipples (eyes), navel (nose), and other bits (mouth).

If you want more of my opinions about the mind, emotions, the amygdala, and science, you can check out this post: Trust Your Feelings.

Thanks again for your insightful comments, Frank!

I think that dividing the brains function (“mind”) into conscious and subconscious parts is a false dichotomy and leads to the wrong kinds of questions. There is no part of the brain that is always conscious. Even the term “conscious” has varying definitions. There are parts of the brain closely related to conscious experience (prefrontal lobes, for example) but they can also operate without consciousness (self-awareness). There are other areas, such as those that control autonomic physiological functions, that are generally considered “subconscious”. It’s difficult to control those areas from the “conscious” parts of the brain because there are few neural connections between them. However, it’s apparently possible in some cases (e.g., fakir control over autonomic functions like heart rate, body temperature and pain sensations).

One answer to why all brain functions are not easily available to conscious control is that the prefrontal lobes are a very recent evolutionary development. It’s not wired as well to some parts of the brain as others. For example, the amygdala (with is closely related to certain types of emotions) has more connections into the higher areas of the brain than vice versa. That’s why it’s generally easier for the emotions to control our rational thinking than the other way around. As to why we evolved this way, I have no idea. (I also wonder why men have nipples, but I doubt there is any paranormal explanation for it. ).

Have a great day.

It’s great to have you drop by! You raise some great points; let me see what I can say to them.

I don’t think my characterization of the state of neuroscience is unfair: I made sure the article was checked over by my wife, who has a degree in cognitive science from MIT. I didn’t mean to suggest that scientists were not trying to investigate these phenomena, nor that they have made no progress at all. It is true that some unconscious functions have been associated with certain brain structures. For example, processing linguistic syntax is an unconscious act, and some neuroscientists suggest it might be located in Broca’s area. However, locating a function in the brain is a long way from explaining how that function works, or telling why it’s an unconscious function rather than a conscious one. The main thrust of my argument is that so much mental activity is unexplained, and fits so poorly into what we know about the brain, that it’s actually quite a leap of faith to imagine that the brain is really the source of all of it. Personally I think the brain is a lot more like a radio than a computer.

As for who was put in charge over whom: perhaps it’s true that most people simply follow the urging of their subconscious mind, without making real conscious decisions. At least then the smarter part of the brain is in charge. But the larger question remains: why have subconscious brain activity at all? Why aren’t all these powerful brain functions available to the conscious mind? My answer would be: because they’re not part of our minds at all, but arise from the spirits, guides, and gods that take an interest in our affairs. And in my experience, the more you try to listen to these entities, the more these “brain functions” come into focus.

As for the matter of delusion: it’s certainly true that people are sometimes good at not thinking about unpleasant things, so that they can get on with their lives. However, the life-after-death issue is far from the only area in which religion is helpful. As I’ve explored my own belief system further, I’ve found more and more areas where it’s directly helping in my daily life. I would continue to use it and believe in it, even if my spirit guides came to me and said, “You know what, Jeff? All that stuff we were telling you about reincarnation? Well…” Religion has made my life meaningful in so many ways that in a very real sense, whether my soul lasts forever is rather incidental.