Abstract

BURGER VAN LILL, J.. Gaining knowledge about the complex human lifeworld. Tydskr. geesteswet. [online]. 2019, vol.59, n.3, pp.318-344. ISSN 2224-7912.  http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/2224-7912/2019/v59n3a2.

Proponents of justificationism are adamant that knowledge claims have to be proven to be true by referring to an appropriate epistemological authority and indisputable foundation of knowledge. However, as such an assumption cannot be justified on rational grounds, it cannot be accepted as knowledge in terms of this criterion of justificationism. Furthermore, according to Cilliers, justificationism ("foundationalism") represents the traditional ("modern") way of gathering knowledge. In the current era (whether regarded as postmodern or not), which is characterised by a complex lifeworld, such a strategy represents avoiding complexity instead of acknowledging and studying it. Cilliers explains that a complex, open system is characterised by an interwoven network of dynamic interactions among numerous heterogeneous components (which can also form subsystems) of the system and other relevant systems. As a result of these dynamic interactions the structure of the system changes and is reorganised, often by means of self-organisation, for new characteristics to emerge and contribute to its functioning. Whether an organism consists of one cell or many, for it to survive necessitates the conversion of suitable nutrients to energy. Such a process involves finding and internally absorbing requisite energy products, converting these to a universal source of energy for physiological processes, removal of waste products and the consumption of the energy to maintain this routine until the end of the life cycle of the organism. Maintaining this process is extremely complicated and demanding as inter alia sufficient quantities of nutrients for example sugars, fats and protein are required, the correct mixture of gasses such as oxygen and carbon dioxide and an optimal pH-balance need to be maintained. The process to maintain such optimally balanced conditions is called homeostasis and according to Damasio this capability has been transmitted genetically since the development of primitive organisms. Living organisms thrive under optimal homeostatic conditions. Specific mechanisms in the human brain determine the extent of deviations from homeostatic values through comparisons with set chemical parameters, to assess the intensity of a need. Subsequently a particular deviation from the homeostatic value enables other mechanisms in the brain to initiate corrective actions or, depending on the urgency of the response, may effect a "reward" or "punishment". Damasio explains that in the human brain, with a mind, consciousness and the ability to create neurological maps to reflect such internal states, the parameters associated with homeostatic values correspond with observations of pain and pleasure on a conscious level. Furthermore, such observations can be meaningfully associated in the mind with linguistic labels such as pleasure, wellbeing, discomfort and pain in brains that have mastered language. Mind develops by virtue of the activity of special cells, called neurons, which are crucial for the functioning of the brain. Neurons are not essential for the maintenance of basic life processes; this is evident from the existence of simple organisms without neurons. However, in more complex organisms with numerous cells, neurons assist with the control of life processes. Although the composition of neurons to some extent corresponds with that of other body cells, Damasio maintains that neurons differ functionally as well as strategically from other cells. Functionally, neurons are capable of generating electrochemical signals that can alter conditions in other cells, including other neurons. This influence on the condition in cells is the source of activities that cause and control behaviour and eventually also contribute to the creation of mind. Consequently the functional difference is also the base of the strategic difference: neurons exist to serve all other cells in the body and as such assist with the management of life. The human brain is a super system of systems comprising a complex network of billions of neurons, of which those in close proximity are richly interconnected, while a few connections over slightly longer distances also occur. Each system comprises a richly interconnected network of macroscopic, cortical regions and subcortical nuclei, which in turn consist of microscopic local networks of neurons interconnected via synapses. Activities in various small local networks in the brain are organised and coordinated over bigger, more extensive networks so that interactive neural patterns or "maps" are continuously and momentarily constructed and reconstructed. These maps represent objects and events in the human body or brain, or in the external environment as experienced by the senses. They may be very detailed or less so, refer to concrete objects or abstractions and are consciously experienced as mental "images" which are not based on visual stimuli only, but also on stimuli from the other senses, emotions, memory and so on. The human mind and self are persistently constructed and reconstructed by means of continuous interactions in a complex network of systems, which includes the whole body with all receptors, senses and the brain, existing within a complex physical and social environment. Feelings, emotions, images, thoughts, behaviour and so on, emerge, enabling the human being to exist as a result of the dynamic interactions between the environment and the brain. With reference to research, Damasio demonstrates that a human being is in essence an integrated complex system with a body, brain, senses and a mind that develops thoughts and self-consciousness in order to live a meaningful life within a physical and social environment. Cilliers argues that the recognition of the complex nature of the human lifeworld, presupposes that such a world cannot be known completely. But, such a supposition does not imply that no knowledge of the lifeworld is possible, or that information that is accessible, is vague. Knowledge claims have to be meaningful in that their limits of meaning are determined with reference to the relevant situation. Damasio demonstrates that the essential nature of humans determines the way in which they construct and understand their lifeworld. Through the creation of a self and a conscious mind, human beings gather knowledge and add meaning and value to their everyday lives. Likewise the human scientist as a member of a community of scientists is acculturated and trained in its paradigm to gather scientific knowledge about the lifeworld of humans.

Keywords : human lifeworld; complexity theory; complex systems; ontology; epistemology; knowledge claims; justificationism; neuropsychology; mind; brain.

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