Consciousness Is Definition-Dependent
The MIT Press eBooks December 16, 2025 DOI: 10.7551/mitpress/14600.003.0020 (opens in new tab) via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractConsciousness remains a profound mystery and a central unresolved question in science. The author argues that the study of consciousness requires engaging multiple forms of consciousness, each equally legitimate and useful for inquiry. Combining subjective inquiry and contemplative practices with traditional scientific methods is essential because consciousness and experience are inseparable. Self-reflection and contemplation can reveal new aspects of consciousness and clarify the limits of objective knowledge. The author proposes two experiential practices that illustrate the value of contemplative methods, aiming to explore our core ability to know and identify the limits of objective knowledge, offering an alternative pathway to objective knowledge.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Consciousness Contemplation Subject documents Value mathematics Experiential learning |
| Key finding | Argues that combining subjective inquiry and contemplative practices with traditional scientific methods is essential for studying consciousness, as consciousness and experience are inseparable. |
Abstract
Consciousness is mystery.Not a par tic u lar mystery-just mystery.It is a subject of countless scientific debates and theories, widely regarded as one of the greatest unresolved questions in science.In the first, theoretical section of my piece, I draw from my experience with scientific methods and spiritual practices to pre sent the idea that consciousness studies involve multiple "consciousnesses," each equally legitimate and potentially useful for inquiry.In this section I argue that combining subjective inquiry and practices with traditional scientific approaches is essential because consciousness and experience are inseparable and therefore the study of experience is an integral aspect of the study of consciousness.Additionally, selfreflection and contemplation can reveal new aspects of consciousness to scientists and clarify the limits of our knowledge.In the second, experiential section of this piece, I propose two practices that illustrate the value of contemplative methods in the scientific study of consciousness.These practices aim to explore our core ability to know and identify the limits of objective knowledge, and offer an alternative, subjective pathway to objective knowledge.Flow down and down in always widening rings of being.