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Is Consciousness a Fundamental Part of the Universe?

Updated: Jun 28

By A. Mayura Athukorala, JadeTimes News

 
Is Consciousness a Fundamental Part of the Universe?
Image Source : NightCafe/EducatedFool

The Enigmatic Nature of Consciousness


Is consciousness a fundamental aspect of reality? This age old question has fascinated thinkers for centuries. Panpsychism, a theory that posits consciousness as a basic component of the universe, suggests that the essence of awareness pervades all matter. From ancient philosophies to contemporary debates, this concept challenges our understanding of the mind's role in the cosmos.


Separating the Quantitative from the Qualitative Things


Over 400 years ago, Galileo Galilei made groundbreaking discoveries that revolutionized science. He demonstrated that physical phenomena, such as a ball rolling down an incline or a chandelier swaying from a ceiling, adhere to precise mathematical laws. This insight established him as a founder of modern science. However, Galileo acknowledged that not all aspects of reality could be quantified. He argued that sensory experiences like colors, tastes, and smells exist only in the minds of perceivers. According to Galileo, these qualities are mere names, residing solely in consciousness and disappearing if the perceiving creature were removed. From Quarks to Galaxy Clusters.


The Progress of Physical Sciences


Since Galileo's time, physical sciences have made significant strides, explaining the mechanics of everything from the tiniest quarks to the vastest galaxy clusters. Despite these advancements, the challenge of understanding phenomena that exist "only in consciousness," such as the redness of a sunset or the bitterness of a lemon, remains unresolved. While neuroscientists have identified brain states linked to specific mental experiences, they have yet to uncover how physical matter gives rise to conscious minds. Philosopher Colin McGinn famously likened this challenge to turning the water of the brain into the wine of consciousness, a dilemma that philosopher David Chalmers dubbed the "hard problem" of consciousness.


Revisiting Ancient Ideas with Modern Perspectives


Recently, scholars convened at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, New York, to discuss panpsychism, which proposes that consciousness is a fundamental aspect of reality, akin to mass or electric charge. This idea, which dates back to antiquity and was taken seriously by philosophers like Plato, has had notable proponents over the years, including psychologist William James and philosopher Bertrand Russell. Interest in panpsychism has surged following the publication of philosopher Philip Goff's book Galileo’s Error in 2019, which advocates for the theory.


Bridging the Explanatory Gap


Panpsychism offers a compelling solution to Chalmers "hard problem" by suggesting that consciousness is inherent in all matter. This idea implies that the universe is imbued with a form of awareness, eliminating the need to explain how inanimate matter becomes conscious. Prominent supporters of this view include philosopher David Chalmers and neuroscientist Christof Koch, who suggested that even particles might possess some primitive form of consciousness.



Is Consciousness a Fundamental Part of the Universe?
Image Source : Kristen Lawrence

Diverging Views on Consciousness


Panpsychism stands in contrast to the dominant perspective in physical sciences and philosophy, which treats consciousness as an emergent property of complex systems, such as human brains. According to physicalism, individual neurons are not conscious, but their collective interactions in large networks give rise to consciousness. Surveys indicate that a slight majority of academic philosophers support physicalism, while a significant minority, including panpsychists, propose alternative explanations for consci


The Ongoing Quest to Understand Consciousness As the debate over consciousness continues, panpsychism provides a thought provoking framework for exploring the nature of awareness. Whether or not consciousness is a fundamental aspect of the universe remains an open question, but the ongoing dialogue between philosophers and scientists promises to deepen our understanding of this profound mystery.

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