Savants’ skills – A short review

Savant Syndrome is a phenomenon where individuals with severe brain impairment exhibit extraordinary abilities in specific areas such as music, calculation, and memory. Various theories have been proposed to explain these abilities, including hyperfunctioning memory models, paradoxical facilitation, and autism-related models. Recent research suggests that transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) may induce savant-like skills in neurotypical individuals, possibly by reducing inhibition in specific neural networks. Studies have shown improvements in visual memory, reduction of false memories, and increased numerical accuracy after TMS application. Additionally, cases of acquired Savant Syndrome following brain injuries suggest that certain cognitive abilities may be latent in all individuals but are typically inhibited by the brain. Continue reading Savants’ skills – A short review

Conciencia/Consciousness

Does consciousness have a purpose?

The essay examines the question of whether consciousness has a biological or adaptive purpose, a topic central to the debate on the nature of consciousness. While many scholars argue that consciousness plays a vital role in cognitive functions such as planning, executive control, and social cognition, others propose it might be a by-product of other processes. The essay explores various theories, including the adaptive advantages of consciousness for future planning and decision-making, as well as the concept of qualia. It also raises the challenge of defining consciousness and whether it serves an essential function or is merely a secondary phenomenon. The discussion highlights ongoing research and contradictions in the field, questioning the evolutionary necessity of consciousness. Continue reading Does consciousness have a purpose?