Rethinking Consciousness in a Nonbinary Framework
Enhanced Cognition January 1, 2026 Evangeline A. Wheeler
Consciousness is not an all-or-nothing property but exists on a continuum, as argued by this chapter. Drawing on cognitive neuroscience, psychology, and philosophy, it examines states such as dreaming, meditation, blindsight, and near-death experiences to show the limitations of binary thinking. The discussion extends to artificial intelligence, questioning whether AI could possess consciousness. Integrating monist theories and research on altered states, the chapter highlights the complexity of awareness beyond rigid categories. A nonbinary perspective offers a more nuanced understanding of selfhood, cognition, and consciousness, with implications for philosophy, neuroscience, and AI research.