Mental monism is the philosophical theory that ultimate reality comprises only conscious minds. (It is usually identified with subjective idealism, but there are differing readings of that term, so “mental monism” is preferred.) This is a relatively neglected framework for examining the embodiment of consciousness in physical objects such as brains and computers. There is, however, growing...
This paper adopts the philosophical theory of mental monism and examines the constraints on models of embodiment within that framework. It proposes a biologically plausible model of embodiment in brains and suggests an extension to embodiment in machines. The conscious mind is characterized as a nonphysical and nonlocal system comprised only of volitions and phenomenal experiences, subject to...
Taoist philosophy of heart-mind explores the nature of mind and psychological phenomena with a factual nature and guides the possibility and practical path of the sage with a value-oriented nature, and realizes the unity of the two in exploring the nature of mind and transcendence. In terms of factual nature, Taoism takes “Tao” as the metaphysical foundation and “qi” as the material basis,...
The unfolding problems with science’s materialist understanding of life are obviously noteworthy in and of themselves, but the associated potential support for dualistic/religious beliefs is particularly significant. Beyond a number of behavioral conundrums, the general problem facing the scientific molecular-only vision is the unfolding missing heritability (or DNA origins)—problem. Given our...
This report offers argued theory & supporting evidence for how the theistic philosophy of Hermeticism intellectually coursed across time to lay groundbreaking path for the development downstream of noetic hybrids known as Neoplatonism, Esoteric Christianity, and Western Esotericism. Accordingly, it is contended that certain Hermetic tenets have long existed philosophically encoded within the...
The purpose of this essay is to map out the perspective of ecstatic naturalism and its corollary theology of deep pantheism. Ecstatic naturalism begins and ends with the fissuring between nature naturing (nature perennially creating itself out of itself alone) and nature natured (the innumerable orders of the world). Nature naturing and its pulsating potencies could also be named: der Wille...
Some scholars concluded that mind-body theories had come to an impasse. Trying to include mental phenomenon addressed in Buddhism and other value-seeking philosophies in eastern cultures, this thesis provides a solution based on a recognition of a wider range of the mental phenomena and the differences of their qualities. Through a “census” of most types and constitutes of mental phenomena and...
The Danish thinker and mystic Martinus presented a comprehensive metaphysical system that explores and explains a wide range of topics, from the nature of consciousness and reality to an objective ethics and the structure of a just and fair society. Although a mystic, his argumentative justification for this system is not based on transcendent experiences but instead on rational arguments and...
What does it mean to keep an “open mind”? In casual conversation it’s a popular phrase with enough common sense to negate much need for debate about what the speaker means. Someone with an open mind might be considered considerate, equanimous, empathetic, a good listener, curious, or flexible in opinion. In Western culture an open-minded person might be receptive to new ideas, possibilities,...
By reviewing most of the neurobiology of consciousness, this article highlights some major reasons why a successful emulation of the dynamics of human consciousness by artificial intelligence is unlikely. The analysis provided leads to conclude that human consciousness is epigenetically determined, experience, and context-dependent at the individual level. It is subject to changes in time that...
The scientific relationship among self, mind and brain is still not clearly known. Self’s subjective experience of perception and cognition of words, feelings, thoughts etc. is supported by the integrity of human brain. Consequently, neuroscientists, psychologists, psychiatrists, physicists and philosophers have been investigating to find the scientific relationship between mind and brain,...
The deeper structure of leptons and quarks is still not experimentally and/or objectively clearly elucidated. No detailed accepted theory is yet established. Consequently, experimental and theoretical physicists have been investigating to find experimental or objective proofs related to the deeper structure of fundamental elementary particles in quantum physics. The author proposed a hypothesis...