Discussion Night: Autonomous Entities in Dreams and Hallucinations

In dreams, under the influence of certain substances, or in visions, we sometimes encounter beings that feel astonishingly, improbably real. Most educated people consider these encounters to be mere artifacts of brain chemistry; the beings in them do not actually exist from their own side. But how do we know that this is true? Could the autonomous entities of dreams and hallucinations exist independently of us in some way? If so, how? Perhaps they exist in separate realms which we access in certain states of consciousness; or perhaps they are locuses of consciousness in our brains own that we did not know about -- second ghosts in the machine, in other words. Or is the received opinion that they have no independent existence correct?

From 7:00-7:30, we will settle in and get acquainted. Then at 7:30 we will begin discussing the night's chosen topic.

This event is at the First Congregational Church of Ann Arbor. (The Delian Club is not, however, a religious organization.) Please come in through the doors on Williams Street, the ones which directly face the opposing side of the street. Go up the ramp and past it for a few yards, and then turn to the right. We will be in the Mayflower Room, which is right next to the small kitchen.

As with all of the Delian Club's events, this is for autistic adults only.

Go to the door on William Street, the one half way down the church that faces the church directly. It has to the right of it a very small flashing green and red light.