The Disembodied Mind: An Exploration of Consciousness in the Physical UniverseSince classical times we have seen considerable progress in our understanding of the physical world through the disciplines of science. However, when it comes to the mind and its most palpable property, consciousness, we have difficulty attempting any kind of meaningful discussion. Can material things be conscious, or is the mind entirely separate from physics? If we insist on the latter, how does the mind relate to the physical world? Relying more on evidence rooted in the empirical sciences than on standard philosophical arguments, this book disseminates a persuasive and self-consistent model implying an objective mind completely unconnected with anything physical. Moreover it means that the mind has no effect on the physical domain, but, by free volition, is able to navigate its way through a myriad of configurations that constitute the world we experience. |
Contents
| 1 | |
Part I | 29 |
Chapter 2 | 30 |
Chapter 3 | 75 |
Chapter 4 | 109 |
Chapter 5 | 155 |
Chapter 6 | 181 |
Part II | 259 |
Chapter 8 | 280 |
Chapter 9 | 302 |
Chapter 10 | 334 |
Chapter 11 | 369 |
Chapter 12 | 391 |
| 412 | |
| 425 | |
Chapter 7 | 260 |
Common terms and phrases
ADM formalism Albert and Loewer argument axioms base space brain branch C-space causal set century chapter classical mechanics configuration space consciousness considered consistent context contradiction coordinates defined described dimensional discussed dualist eigenstates electron empirical energy epistemic equation Euler-Lagrange equations Ewing example existence given Hamilton-Jacobi equation Hamiltonian Hemmo hidden variables induction inertial frame interpretations of quantum known Lagrangian Lockwood loop quantum gravity manifold mathematics measurement methodological naturalism metric mind-body nature nonlocal nonmaterial minds objective collapse objective collapse theories observer ontic ontological particle Penrose phenomenal physical world physicalist possible postulate premise present principle of localisation problem proof proposition pure wave theories quantum gravity quantum mechanics quantum theory qubits reality referred regarded relation relativistic relativity represents scientific Seager set theory space-C space-time superposition supervenience theorem truth unitary evolution universal mind vector wave function wave function collapse