Abstract Does phenomenal force, the distinctive phenomenology attributed to perceptual experience, really form an integral part of the latter? If not, what implications does it have for perceptual justification? In this paper, I first argue for a metacognitive account, according to which phenomenal force constitutes a separate, metacognitive state. This account opens up a previously unexplored...
Charles Tart was arguably the most important theoretician and researcher of altered states of consciousness (ASC) during the second half of the 20th century. His vast output included books and articles extending the frontiers of study of states of consciousness in general, and of the hypnagogic state, dreaming, meditation, hypnosis, and minor and major psychedelic drugs, among others. Rather...
A meta-analysis of Princeton's Global Consciousness Project (GCP) of 500 pre-registered experiments from 1998-2015 found that, during periods of strong coherence in people's thoughts (e.g. after a terrorist attack), random number generators (RNGs) based on quantum tunneling are more likely to produce correlated results (Z=7.31, p < 1E-12). This was not observed for duration-matched control...
Against behaviorism, humanism, and cognitive psychology, this work explores Mocombe's antihuman psychology as a product of his consciousness field theory.The paper critically assesses Mocombe's consciousness field theory within the larger body of contemporary ontological debates regarding the nature, origin, and constitution of consciousness, especially human consciousness, vis-à -vis their...
Linguists do not agree on the origin of human language or the reasons for the human species’ unique possession of language faculty on the path of evolution. Any theoretical approach in cognitive science and linguistics eventually faces an impasse in its quest for the origin of language when reaching the realm of consciousness and mind which requires an accessibility beyond the physical inquiry....
Objective: Engaging in practices of intimacy meant to develop and sustain intimacy can be beneficial for couples. Psychoactive substances such as 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) have shown to facilitate bonding within couples and it is hypothesised that classic psychedelics, due to their property to increase prosocial behaviours, can similarly promote interactional intimacy. This study...
The conscious processing of body signals influences higher-order psychological and cognitive functions, including self-awareness. Dysfunctions in the processing of these signals has been connected to neurological and psychiatric disorders characterized by altered states of self-consciousness. Studies indicate that perceiving the body through interoceptive signals ( e.g. , from internal organs...
Contemplative practice has demonstrated benefits for mental health and well-being. Most previous studies, however, implemented in-person trainings containing a mix of different, mostly solitary, practices and focused on pre- to post-training outcomes. In this randomized trial, we explore the immediate differential efficacy of two daily app-delivered practices in shifting emotional (valence,...
The term Meditation is a process whereby one can make a conscious effort to relax and achieve profound peacefulness in mind. Meditation supports people to strive for transformation of the mind to take control of their inner self, understand the reality of life, practice the art of detachment and lead a simple lifestyle. This paper fundamentally assesses the impact of meditation of suspects on...