From: Robert Owen (rowen@technologist.com)
Date: Sat Dec 18 1999 - 15:54:48 MST
Bryan Moss wrote:
> If I hook you up to a machine that releases endorphins when
> it detects red, is that a colour sensation?
The machine, for example a spectrometer, can in principle
be associated with a limit detector or other comparator such
that when it is exposed to radiation having wavelengths no
less than 6.47E-7 m and no greater than 7.00E-7 m it may
stimulate the Anterior Pituitary to release endorphins.
[1] The machine has not detected the COLOR red which
by definition is a visual sensation resulting from the
impact of light of a particular wavelength on the cones
of the retina of the eye.
[2] Because endorphins and their associated experienced
effect (e.g. elevated pain threshold) are released by
stressors and other agents, a color-blind person could
not be taught to discriminate the above range of wave-
lengths on this basis.
[3] It is conceivable that the apparatus if used in conjunc-
tion with the normal perception of the color red would
associate "red" with "analgesia" or even "mild pleasure"
in a given subject and thereby reinforce a preference
for this color experience or even the use of any stimulus
producing the sensation "red" as a source of hedonistic
gratification.
Bob
=======================
Robert M. Owen
Director
The Orion Institute
57 W. Morgan Street
Brevard, NC 28712-3659 USA
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