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What is it like to be the universe?

Paul Marshall

Filozofija i drustvo 2025 DOI: 10.2298/fid2504811m (opens in new tab)

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AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed
Topics Mysticism
Keywords Intersubjectivity Identity music Quality philosophy Universe Epistemology Consciousness Temporality Realization probability
Key points Argues that mystical experience may provide insight into cosmic subjectivity, which evidence suggests is of extraordinary quality and possibly involves multiple cosmic subjects interpreted through a modified Leibnizian monadology.

Abstract

Cosmopsychism attributes subjectivity to the universe as a whole. What might that subjectivity be like? There are differing opinions in the philosophical literature, ranging from ?simply a mess? to highly advanced. Mystical experience, if it genuinely brings unity or identity with the universe, could provide some insight. The evidence points to conscious mind of extraordinary quality and perhaps a universe with many cosmic subjects, an intersubjectivity that can be interpreted through the lens of a modified Leibnizian monadology.

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