Philosophy of Mind is a very exciting area in modern philosophy. One of those stirring up the dust is David Chalmers, an Australian philosopher who says that consciousness is a fundamental component of the universe, like space, time and mass. Andrew Chrucky asked the questions.
https://philosophynow.org/issues/21/Much_Ado_About_Consciousness
Much Ado About Consciousness
Re: Much Ado About Consciousness
Of course consciousness is fundamental. Our misinterpretation of the physical realm being fundamental reality is the source of all suffering. However, thought is also not fundamental. Thoughts arise and fall within consciousness, as do sensations.
All experience within this realm is as unsubstantial as a scene in a movie. Human consciousness has evolved to a level of self awareness that has recognized that the body is not true Self, but instead of "ending the sequels" we keep creating (novel) experiences (via thought). These novel experiences are redundant and ever less substantial (eg: Youtube, video games). Everything that everyone does is an attempt to make the inherently unsubstantial into something real.
Reality will not be remembered/rediscovered by going forward. Only greater maya and suffering lead that way. In order to be free of suffering, consciousness must transcend the "I..." internal monologue, turn attention away from thoughts and sensations, and place abide in/as thought free awareness.
All experience within this realm is as unsubstantial as a scene in a movie. Human consciousness has evolved to a level of self awareness that has recognized that the body is not true Self, but instead of "ending the sequels" we keep creating (novel) experiences (via thought). These novel experiences are redundant and ever less substantial (eg: Youtube, video games). Everything that everyone does is an attempt to make the inherently unsubstantial into something real.
Reality will not be remembered/rediscovered by going forward. Only greater maya and suffering lead that way. In order to be free of suffering, consciousness must transcend the "I..." internal monologue, turn attention away from thoughts and sensations, and place abide in/as thought free awareness.
Re: Much Ado About Consciousness
From the article:
Spirit killers with their noses in the ground caught up in their imaginary self importance intent on demanding facts to reveal meaning and psychological escapists hiding behind fantasy and unable to deal with facts will both deny their potential to experience the necessary connection between big ideas and details.
But in compensation, there is a minority willing to open their minds to the third dimension of thought as opposed to taking sides and this minority will help to awaken others to their potential for a conscious human perspective.
Einstein said much the same:A philosopher might find the general work unsophisticated, and scientists are often bemused by esoteric talk of zombies, supervenience, and possible worlds. But I think working at both levels helps keep you honest. As Kant said, big ideas without details are empty; details without big ideas are blind.
My guess is that becoming able to appreciate the objective relationship between science and conscious reality which is really the attraction of Man’s being to its source will be rejected by the majority.I cannot conceive of a genuine scientist without that profound faith. The situation may be expressed by an image: Science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind. -- Einstein, Science and Religion, 1940.
Spirit killers with their noses in the ground caught up in their imaginary self importance intent on demanding facts to reveal meaning and psychological escapists hiding behind fantasy and unable to deal with facts will both deny their potential to experience the necessary connection between big ideas and details.
But in compensation, there is a minority willing to open their minds to the third dimension of thought as opposed to taking sides and this minority will help to awaken others to their potential for a conscious human perspective.