Setting science free from materialism.
Explore (New York, N.Y.) 2013 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2013.04.004 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Alfred north whitehead C.s. peirce Francis crick Freeman dyson Galen strawson Henri bergson John searle Materialism Nicholas humphrey Thomas nagel William james Extended mind Panpsychism Science set free Telepathy |
| Key points | Argues that materialism is inadequate to explain consciousness and that panpsychism and the extended mind offer a way forward. |
Abstract
Contemporary science is based on the claim that all reality is material or physical. There is no reality but material reality. Consciousness is a by-product of the physical activity of the brain. Matter is unconscious. Evolution is purposeless. This view is now undergoing a credibility crunch. The biggest problem of all for materialism is the existence of consciousness. Panpsychism provides a way forward. So does the recognition that minds are not confined to brains.