Discussion Questions
- If someone were in a coma after an accident, and you wanted to better understand how “conscious” or aware s/he were, how might you go about it?
- What are some of the factors in daily life that interfere with people’s ability to get adequate sleep? What interferes with your sleep?
- How frequently do you remember your dreams? Do you have recurring images or themes in your dreams? Why do you think that is?
- Consider times when you fantasize or let your mind wander? Describe these times: are you more likely to be alone or with others? Are there certain activities you engage in that seem particularly prone to daydreaming?
- A number of traditional societies use consciousness altering substances in ceremonies. Why do you think they do this?
- Do you think attitudes toward drug use are changing over time? If so, how? Why do you think these changes occur?
- Students in high school and college are increasingly using stimulants such as Adderol as study aids and “performance enhancers.” What is your opinion of this trend?
