A Cultivated Blind Spot
July 27, 2018 DOI: 10.4324/9781315122649-5 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that the prevailing scientific view that stream-of-consciousness phenomena cannot be empirically studied is wrong, that such research is already being done, and that the classic objections to it can be resolved. Proposes that the debate over whether such study is possible should be abandoned in favor of continuing it. |
Abstract
One of the tenets of the prevailing paradigm of modern science is the belief that it is not possible to empirically study the phenomena that appear in the stream of consciousness. Chapter 5 shows that not only is it possible, but that it is already being done. The chapter begins by bringing into focus the inescapable truth that the events that occur in the stream of consciousness—our thoughts, emotions, repressions, mind films and epiphanies—have a profound effect on the course of our lives; and given that this is the case, it is crucial that we find a way to empirically understand them. Next, it catalogues and resolves the classic scientific objections to empirically studying these phenomena. It then presents a thought experiment about a hitherto unknown species of human being—“ Homo sapiens veritas ”—who is different than Homo sapiens sapiens in one crucial respect: veritas is completely unable to be dishonest about what is happening in their stream of consciousness. The experiment contemplates the effect of Homo sapiens veritas on consciousness research. The chapter ends with a tiny parable that illustrates that there is nothing to be gained by carrying on the now century-old debate about whether or not it is possible to scientifically study the phenomena that appear in the stream of consciousness. The time has come to get on with the study of the stream of consciousness, which we have done with enlightening results.