Rupert Sheldrake, a biologist known for his pioneering research on consciousness and morphic resonance, dives into the intriguing nature of consciousness beyond the brain. He explores theories like panpsychism, suggesting that consciousness could be inherent in all matter. Sheldrake probes the complexities of visual perception, including the concept of extramission and scopasthesia—the eerie sensation of being watched. His innovative research initiative also investigates animal behavior and awareness, challenging listeners to rethink their understanding of consciousness in a cosmic context.
The debate on consciousness revolves around whether it is confined to the brain or extends outward, influencing our perception of reality.
Panpsychism implies that consciousness exists in varying degrees throughout the universe, challenging materialist views and redefining our understanding of mental phenomena.
Deep dives
The Two Theories of Consciousness
There are two primary theories regarding the nature of consciousness and its location: one asserts that consciousness arises from and is confined within the brain, while the other posits that consciousness extends beyond the brain and involves external projections. The traditional perspective argues that everything we perceive is a virtual reality display generated within our minds, leading to the question of how we experience consciousness if the universe is fundamentally unconscious. In contrast, an emerging view suggests that consciousness may be projected outward, allowing individuals to perceive their surroundings beyond the confines of their minds. This debate not only reflects differing beliefs but also raises larger questions about the nature of reality and the interconnectedness of consciousness within the universe.
Exploring Panpsychism
Panpsychism offers a compelling alternative to materialist views by proposing that consciousness exists in varying degrees throughout the universe, from atoms to complex organisms. This perspective suggests that consciousness isn't merely an epiphenomenon of brain activity but rather a fundamental aspect of all matter, thereby addressing the 'hard problem' of how consciousness arises from unconscious entities. Philosophers supporting panpsychism, such as Galen Strawson, argue that the degrees of consciousness vary, culminating in fully conscious beings like humans while also suggesting potential consciousness in larger systems, including the sun and galaxies. By broadening the discussion about consciousness beyond human experience, panpsychism opens avenues for exploring the potential for consciousness throughout the cosmos.
The Mind's Connection to the External World
The idea that our consciousness interacts directly with the world around us is exemplified in the phenomenon of 'scopasthesia,' where people report sensing being looked at even without visual contact. Research and anecdotal evidence suggest that this ability might have evolved to improve survival in predator-prey relationships, providing insight into how attention and intention can extend our consciousness beyond physical boundaries. Experiments show a significant correlation between people's gaze and their awareness of being observed, supporting the notion that consciousness can affect the external environment. This perspective challenges the traditional view that the mind is solely confined to the brain, proposing a more integrated relationship between consciousness and the material world.
Most scientists think that consciousness is created by the brain. After all, most assume consciousness vanishes if the brain is destroyed. But what if this consensus view is radically mistaken? Join distinguished scientist Rupert Sheldrake as he argues that the mind extends beyond the brain and explores the radical implications of this account.
Rupert Sheldrake is a preeminent biologist and author best known for his hypothesis of morphic resonance. His books include Science and Spiritual Practices, Ways to Go Beyond And Why They Work and The Science Delusion. Furthermore, he was ranked in the top 100 thought leaders for 2013 by the Duttweiler Institute, Switzerland's leading think tank, and has been recognised as one of the 'most spiritually influential living people' by Watkins' Mind Body Spirit Magazine.
