Designing a bridge for consciousness: are criteria for a unification of approaches feasible?
Different intrinsic rules of functioning for body and mind are overemphasized by the mutually exclusive methods of investigation in both consciousness and the sciences. Classical science, alternative and complementary healing, quantum physics, and metaphysics all take drastically different approaches to consciousness research. A bridge is needed to restore the conceptual unity of mind-body. However, the construction of such a bridge paradoxically must rely on consciousness for information. The construction company (Consciousness, Inc.) therefore becomes means and end in the design of the bridge. This piece argues that the methods of each discipline contain research tools and resources to create a bridge that satisfies a unified multidimensional and multidisciplinary conception. The piece further suggests that the framework of the bridge must place consciousness as a partner to physiology in the evolutionary trajectory of life, since problems of survival are a primary consideration in the activity of both. Finally, the piece develops six criteria by which to evaluate the effectiveness of any construction design.
Miller
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DW
D003243:Consciousness / Q000502:physiology*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006801:Humans; D008678:Metaphysics; D011584:Psychology; D011603:Psychophysiology