Parfit wrestles with the idea that human conscience is able to grasp different events, occurrences, and stimuli that are taking place within a particular state or situation. The bone of contention is the idea that humans as a complete entity cannot be able to perceive two occurrences at a time. Parfit introduces the idea that human consciousness has both a dominant and subdominant consciousness. However, consciousness is only likely to detect one element that is dominant within one life. This is the reason why Parfit argues that if one has two colors blue and red on both the right and left hand sides respectively, the person is only likely to discover one of the colors and not the other (Derek 373). The idea that life and consciousness is a double ended sword that cannot be handled by one singular entity dough tails into the bundle theory.
Parfit believes that humans and consciousness in general is not a singular entity that functions on its own. He argues that consciousness is a state that is dependent on many other functions. He refers to these functions as bundles. According to Parfit, it is through these bundles that human consciousness is able to realize both the dominant and the subdominant elements of life. A perfect example that is given in this case is the idea that one part of the brain can be typing and the other can be listening to the sounds of a wind outside a window. The ability of consciousness to perceive two events and occurrences at the same tome indicates that there are many mechanisms and processes that are in play making it possible for the brain to be able to switch to and from one state to another.
Parfit maintains that common believes about persons are often mistaken is the fact that in many cases people find it difficult for them to believe that human beings as a singular entity are able to conduct more than one sensational activity at the same time. Many have tried to come up with theories and social constructs that there has to be replicas of self that is able to handle more than one element at the same time. One thing that many people forgot, according to Parfit, is the idea that though humans might appear as a singular entity, they are many processes and elements that constitute the whole. Different elements which bundle theorists refer to as bundles are able to perceive different things events and occurrences within the human environment. This is the reason why humans are able to react in case the dominant sphere is destroyed by a given force. Parfit explains that sub-dominant consciousness elements are responsible for making sure that the dominant senses are held in place at a particular time. Bundle theorists offer a closure to the idea that man or human consciousness can be able to deal with both the dominant and sub-dominant senses at the same time to enhance the stability of the human whole.
I find, Parfit’s position convincing. I agree that though humans might appear as a singular being, there are other bundles that are responsible for maintaining the stability of this singularity. This is because different bundles and mechanism within the human whole allows one to be able to perceive both the dominant and the sub-dominant senses at the same time. This is the reason why I strongly agree with the idea that split-brain cases support the bundle theory.
Works Cited
Parfit, Derek. "Divided Minds and the Nature of Persons." The Self. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2002. 373-378. Print.
