Source: "The Mind of GOD: A Spiritual-Virtual Reality Model of Consciousness & The Contact Modalities" by Reinerio (Rey) Hernandez, JD, MCP, 2023.
This podcast delves into the profound question of what consciousness is, exploring perspectives from ancient philosophies to modern science. It highlights the enduring mind-body problem, contrasting the view that consciousness originates solely in the brain with the dualistic perspective suggesting a separate, non-physical mental realm. The podcast then introduces the "hard problem of consciousness," questioning not just how the brain functions but why these functions are accompanied by subjective experience. Critically examining the limitations of a purely materialistic neuroscience, the source presents numerous quotes from esteemed scientists, including Nobel laureates, who express doubt that the brain alone can account for consciousness.
The discussion then pivots to the "consciousness is primary" viewpoint, tracing its roots in ancient traditions like Vedanta and Upanishads, which posit a fundamental, universal consciousness from which physical reality arises as an illusion (Maya). The text explores how pioneers of quantum physics, intrigued by parallels with these ancient ideas, also leaned towards the primacy of consciousness. It briefly touches upon similar concepts in Shamanism, Buddhism, and ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman thought. Finally, the author examines monism as an alternative to dualism, particularly focusing on Dual Aspect Monism as a potential framework for understanding paranormal experiences by suggesting a fundamental unity of mind and matter that splits into distinct aspects within physical reality. The ultimate purpose of the text is to challenge a purely materialistic understanding of consciousness and to explore the possibility of a more fundamental, consciousness-based reality, drawing on a wide range of intellectual and spiritual traditions.
The podcast begins by acknowledging the profound difficulty in defining consciousness. As stated, "This very simple question has resulted in no clear answers-- to be quite frank, everyone is clueless as to what is consciousness-- all we have are theories and speculations..." The text cites Webster's Dictionary's characterization of consciousness as "...awareness or perception of an inward psychological or spiritual fact; intuitively perceived knowledge of something in one's inner self… a state characterized by sensation, emotion, volition, or thought: mind in the broadest possible sense…[and] as distinguished from the physical." This broad definition highlights the multifaceted and subjective nature of consciousness.
The Mind-Body Problem:
Dualism: The document explains Cartesian Dualism, proposed by René Descartes, which posits a separation between the non-material mind (consciousness) and the physical brain. Dualists believe that mental phenomena are non-physical and that consciousness does not originate solely from the brain.
The "Hard Problem" of Consciousness: Philosopher David Chalmers is introduced as the originator of the "Hard Problem of Consciousness," which asks "Why is the performance of these functions accompanied by experience?" Chalmers distinguishes this from the "easy" problems of neuroscience, which focus on the mechanisms of brain function and behavior. The "hard problem" concerns the subjective, qualitative aspects of experience, or "qualia."
**Neuroscience and the Limits of Materialism:**The text presents a strong critique of the materialist view that consciousness is solely a product of the brain. It quotes numerous prominent neuroscientists and medical doctors who express skepticism or outright rejection of this dogma:
Larry Dossey: Argues that the "materialistic concept of consciousness... suffers from two severe defects: the sheer poverty of evidence that brains produce consciousness and the enormous human costs of a world that is sanitized of a spiritual outlook..." He asserts, "No human has ever seen a brain or anything else produce consciousness, and there is no accepted theory as to how this could happen."
Sir John Eccles (Nobel Laureate): Labels "promissory materialism" as a "superstition without a rational foundation" and a "religious belief held by dogmatic materialists..." He concludes, "We have to recognize that we are spiritual beings with souls existing in a spiritual world as well as material beings with bodies and brains existing in a material world."
Roger W. Sperry (Nobel Laureate): Admits that the brain processes associated with consciousness are "simply not understood" and "so far beyond our comprehension at present that no one I know of has been able even to imagine their nature." Steven A. Pinker: Frankly states, "Beats the heck out of me. I have some prejudices, but no idea of how to begin to look for a defensible answer. And neither does anyone else." regarding how consciousness might arise from the brain.