A Short Argument Against the Materialist Account of the Mind
The article presents a concise argument against the materialist account of the mind, emphasizing the distinction between subjective thoughts and physical brain states. It references John Searle’s Chinese Room scenario to illustrate that while computers can process information syntactically, they lack genuine understanding or consciousness. The author proposes a thought experiment where an individual is…
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Why Materialism Cannot Explain Consciousness
In an interview, Dr. Michael Egnor discusses the limitations of materialism in explaining consciousness and the nature of reality. He argues that materialism, which posits that everything can be explained by physical processes, fails to account for the subjective experiences of consciousness and the existence of free will. Egnor emphasizes the importance of integrating insights…
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Cultivating the Integral Heart: Embracing Compassion and Spiritual Connection for a Sustainable Future
In this October 2023 article, Brad Reynolds encourages readers to cultivate an “integral heart” by embracing a holistic, compassionate worldview that transcends narrow identities and embraces the interconnectedness of all beings. Reynolds also discusses the role of the heart in spiritual awakening, eventually leading to personal and societal transformation. Reynolds emphasizes that love is a…
Beyond Reductionism—Understanding the True Power of the Human Mind
The article discusses how neuroscience is shedding light on spiritual experiences, with neurotheologist Dr. Andrew Newberg explaining that while there is no single “spiritual” part of the brain, these experiences involve complex interactions between various brain regions that typically don’t occur in the same way. Newberg notes that while spontaneous spiritual experiences are harder to…
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Fostering Human Connection to Heal Collective Trauma
The article discusses Global Social Witnessing (GSW), a practice that enhances our capacity to witness and engage with traumatic global events mindfully and compassionately. In an age where social media and the internet allow for real-time exposure to violence and conflict, individuals often experience overwhelm, desensitization, and compassion fatigue. GSW encourages practitioners to consciously engage…
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How big science failed to unlock the mysteries of the human brain
This 2021 article published by MIT Technology Review examines the ambitious goals of major neuroscience initiatives, notably the BRAIN Initiative and the Human Brain Project, which aimed to map and simulate the human brain’s complex workings. Despite significant investment and initial enthusiasm, the article reveals that both projects have struggled to deliver on their lofty promises, with…
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Sensing the Field: How 9/11 Lead to Transformation
In this 2005 article for Shift Magazine, physician Betsy MacGregor relates her experience in the field. MacGregor’s experience is a premonition of the 9/11 events and how a “letting go” of the physical existence may have been for the thousands of souls who perished with the Twin Towers. Editor’s Note: MacGregor was right when she…
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The Union of Science and Spirituality
The article examines the intersection of spirituality and science, highlighting the increasing recognition of their complementary roles in understanding the nature of reality. It discusses how scientific discoveries, particularly in fields like quantum physics and neuroscience, have challenged traditional materialistic views and opened space for spiritual inquiry. The author explores how spiritual practices such as…
Soul Loss: A Major Cause of Depression?
In this March 19, 2024 article, Hank Wesselman writes about the causes of illness: disharmony, fear, and soul loss. Of these three, Wesselman says soul loss is the most serious because it is a major cause of premature death and serious illness. One of the most common symptoms of soul loss is depression and the…
The Healing Power of Prayer
In this July 2024 article by KnowWewell, Dr. Larry Dossey discusses the healing power of prayer, how he came to this discovery, and what this means for modern medicine. Dossey, a pioneer in integrating prayer and medicine, believes that the general premise of prayer is that “space and time are flexible. There is unity in…
Roger Penrose: Consciousness Is Beyond Computable Physics
The article discusses the perspective of physicist Roger Penrose on consciousness, proposing that it exists beyond the realm of computable physics. Penrose argues that the human mind operates on principles not reducible to algorithms, suggesting that consciousness involves processes that transcend conventional computational models. He posits that quantum mechanics may play a role in understanding…
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Plants Can Adapt To Changing Climate Conditions
The article discusses research indicating that many plant species can adapt to changing environmental conditions, specifically temperature variations. Scientists conducted experiments exposing various plant species to different temperature conditions and observed their responses. Contrary to previous beliefs that plants cannot adapt to temperature changes, the study found that many plants exhibited adaptive responses, such as…
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Science and Spirituality: two sides of a coin
The article discusses the relationship between science and spirituality, portraying them as complementary rather than contradictory. It highlights how both fields aim to understand the nature of reality, albeit through different methods. Science relies on empirical evidence and observation, while spirituality delves into the realms beyond the material, exploring consciousness and the deeper meaning of…
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When does consciousness arise?
The article explores the concept of human consciousness and its development, suggesting that consciousness may begin to emerge before birth and continue to evolve after birth. It discusses research indicating that fetuses exhibit behaviors suggesting awareness and responsiveness to stimuli in the womb. Additionally, the article suggests that environmental factors and early experiences after birth…
Are Plants Conscious?
“The Intelligent Plant,” an article from The New Yorker, delves into the fascinating realm of plant intelligence. It explores the work of researchers who challenge traditional views of plants as passive organisms by demonstrating their capacity for communication, learning, and memory. The article discusses experiments indicating that plants can detect and respond to environmental cues,…
Rebalancing the Masculine and Feminine: A New Paradigm for Societal Healing
In this article for The Pulse, Anne Baring says that all the problems in our societies stem from “the over-emphasis on the masculine archetype”. Baring clarifies that the terms “feminine” and “masculine” do not refer to gender, but to the “qualities that make up the wholeness of our being”. Editor’s Note: Embracing both masculine and…
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The Science of Intentionality: Why It Is Important To Dream of A Better Future
The following article discusses the interconnectedness between intention and synchronicity. It discusses how individuals’ intentions can influence the occurrence of meaningful coincidences in their lives. Drawing from Jungian psychology and quantum theory, the author proposes that intention sets the stage for synchronistic events to unfold, highlighting the role of consciousness in shaping reality. The article…
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Love As A Conscious and Spiritual Experience
This article reports on the results of a recent study conducted by researchers from Aalto University in Finland which aims to map how people experience 27 different types of love. The goal of the research was to answer the following questions: Where are the different types of love felt in the body? How are the…
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James Tour Challenges Leading Researchers To Show Chemical Proof of Origin of Life
In this 24-minute video, James Tour issues a challenge to Origin-of-Life (OoL) researchers: show how life can be created through the chemical conditions of the early Earth. Tour frames his challenge into five questions. He says that if any of the OoL researchers he called on can answer just one of his questions, he will…
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Fine-tuning: Appreciating the Uniqueness of Humanity and of Life
The article discusses the concept of fine-tuning in the context of cosmology and physics. It explains that fine-tuning refers to the remarkable precision in the fundamental constants and parameters of the universe that allow life to exist. Scientists have observed that slight variations in these constants could result in a vastly different universe, possibly incompatible…
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