Consciousness and the human spirit.
T V Daly
Journal of Clinical Neuroscience April 1, 1996 DOI: 10.1016/s0967-5868(96)90002-8 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that four levels of consciousness can be defined through types of questions and their appropriate answers, clarifying self-knowledge, learning, and decision. Proposes definitions of spirit and matter that acknowledge contrast and conditions of emergence consistent with modern logic, and contends that because consciousness and soul are shared with animals, what is specifically human lies in the levels experienced as inquiry, understanding, judging, and decision. |
Abstract
Consciousness is experienced by all non-sleepers, but not easily understood. There is a way in to landmarks through types of question and classes of appropriate answers to questions, which combine to define four levels of consciousness. These clarify self-knowledge, and the processes of learning and decision. Definitions of spirit and matter are offered that acknowledge contrast, and conditions of emergence that accept modern logic are pointed to. Since the notions of consciousness and of soul apply to powers we share with animals, investigation of what is specific to human beings should focus on those levels of consciousness which we experience as inquiry, understanding, judging, and decision, and on the type of organisation which supports such activities.