title: Neurophilosophy and the distal hyperuranic world: Fred Previc's space of the gods (and of men).
abstract: Unlike the concept handed down by philosophy (and by the philosophy of science), which proposes a univocal, intellectualistic vision of space, Previc's studies have shown that the relationship between consciousness and space is instead managed by a number of modules, making it possible to categorise spatial interaction on four levels which correspond to the different ways in which we project our existence in different practical and cultural scenarios. What emerges as particularly important is the fourth level of the management of spatiality, the one that sees human consciousness dealing with the great distances - the heavens, the house of the gods. This module makes use of a neural pathway involving ventral sensory structures that also manage the relationship with religion and transcendence. But these are also the structures that are activated when populations are forced to set out in search of new lands - the quest for the eternal "Promised Land". In this study of infinite spaces, the path of the gods and of men coincide and they are seen to advance along it together.
authors.affiliation: Brain Connectivity Center, IRCCS C Mondino Institute of Neurology Foundation, Pavia, Italy. pmila@tiscali.it
authors.forename: P G
authors.initials: PG
authors.lastname: Milanesi
mesh_terms: D001921:Brain / Q000502:physiology*; D003243:Consciousness / Q000502:physiology*; D004325:Dreams / Q000523:psychology; D006212:Hallucinations / Q000523:psychology; D049674:History, 21st Century; D006801:Humans; D009462:Neurology; D009949:Orientation; D010268:Parapsychology; D010686:Philosophy, Medical; D011582:Psychological Theory; D012069:Religion and Psychology; D013028:Space Perception; D013037:Spatial Behavior