Abstract Rationale: Individual variability in psilocybin response is a major challenge for psychedelic-assisted therapy, with structural brain features potentially serving as predictive biomarkers. Lewis et al. (2020) reported that rostral anterior cingulate cortex thickness predicted emotional experiences under psilocybin, suggesting cortical morphometry as a marker of psychedelic...
This paper explores the philosophical thought of Ti Ni Da Luu Chi (Vinītaruci), widely recognized as the first patriarch who laid the foundation for the organized Zen tradition in Vietnam. Drawing on core Mahayana doctrines, Prajnaparamita, Tam Luan, and elements of Tantric Buddhism, the Ti Ni Da Luu Chi Zen sect developed a distinctive philosophical system addressing ontology, epistemology,...
Abstract Patients undergoing general anesthesia are often assumed to be unconscious. However, it is known that conscious experiences in the form of dreams occur even in unresponsive states induced by anesthetics. Here, we recorded resting state electroencephalography (EEG) as well as EEG combined with TMS perturbations in 20 healthy participants during propofol sedation. Participants were...
This research explored whether anomalous ‘dimensional-slip’ experiences—reported by an allegedly haunted woman named “Nell”—would systematically map to distinctive features of various transcendental spaces discussed in spiritual and psychological traditions. A two-part content analysis using ChatGPT-4o compared the phenomenology of Nell’s written accounts (n = 4) to an inventory of 32 classic...
Abstract It is well known that in interdisciplinary consciousness studies there are various competing hypotheses about the neural correlate(s) of consciousness (NCCs). Much contemporary work is dedicated to determining which of these hypotheses is right (or the weaker claim is to be preferred). The prevalent working assumption is that one of the competing hypotheses is correct, and the...
This essay discusses the unique interplay between mushrooms and Russian Conceptualism, situating the mycological theme within the broader framework of Second Avant-garde aesthetics and socio-political critique. Russian artists such as Wassily Kandinsky, Ilya Kabakov, Andrei Monastyrsky, and others embedded mushroom imagery into their works as a metaphorical device transcending mere visual...
In this paper I argue that religious practice is key to global thought. To demonstrate this, I explore the work of two thinkers: psychologist Carl Jung and Marxist liberation philosopher Enrique Dussel. As a means of addressing the implicit ontological biases which close the minds of many to spiritual wisdom, my discussion makes use of the quantum metaphysics developed by Jung in correspondence...
Research SquareSeptember 23, 2025Theresa Rieger, Josefine Feuerstein, Niko A Busch et al.
preprint
Abstract The visual awareness negativity (VAN) has been identified as a potential neuronal correlate of consciousness (NCC). The VAN is typically found when comparing experimental trials in which a stimulus was perceived with trials in which the same stimulus was not perceived. However, if the VAN represents a reliable NCC, it should also be observed under conditions in which participants...
Non-ordinary states of consciousness (NOC) provide an opportunity to experience highly intense, unique, and perceptually rich subjective states. The neural mechanisms supporting these experiences remain poorly understood. This study examined brain activity associated with a self-induced, substance-free NOC known as Auto-Induced Cognitive Trance (AICT). Twenty-seven trained participants...
Which of the many available theories of consciousness should a newcomer to the field choose? We consider possible ways to deal with this conundrum. We argue that convergence of theories is unlikely. Next, we consider ways comparing theories highlighting significant issues with existing endeavors in this regard. Given the nature of the field, presumably empirical support has a critical role to...