Consciousness Studies
Source of the picture: Quanta Magazine
Hindu philosophical schools, e.g. Yoga, Nyāya, Vaiśeṣika, Mīmāṃsā, and Vedānta, not only theorized how reality and the universe are structured but also pondered on human personality, the mind, and the self, how humans can live a life free of suffering and how we can attain true knowledge and liberation.
We are working on developing a theory of consciousness based on Advaitic principles, e.g. three body concept (gross, subtle and cusal body), Atman/Bhrahman, and the nature of reality.
Publications:
“On the Measurability of Consciousness – Perspectives from Product Design and Philosophy” by S. Pradhan, Presented at The Science of Consciousness (TSC) conference, Tucson, Arizona, USA, April 2024.
Abstract — With recent advances in the science of consciousness, there is an increased interest in the measurement problem of consciousness (MPC). The development of consciousness measurement systems (CMS) is still in its infancy without a formal measurement framework and established design approach. This article presents a novel consciousness measurement framework that uses measurement workflow, design principles, neuroscience theories and technologies, and philosophical arguments. The framework proposes measurability criteria, applies them to different use cases, and identifies whether existing theories and technologies can measure the required attributes of consciousness. Researchers and engineers can use the framework to develop CMS for specific use cases without being bogged down by the complexity of unknowns in the field of MPC.
“Advaita and Contemporary Challenges in Consciousness Studies” — by S. Pradhan, Presented at the Indian Philosophical Congress, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, India, December 18-21, 2024.
Abstract — Consciousness studies have rapidly advanced in the last three decades; many scientific and philosophical theories of consciousness have been proposed. Despite these theoretical and technological developments, many conceptual, methodological, and theoretical challenges remain unanswered. These challenges result from the materialistic worldview that considers consciousness as an emergent property of the material world. Researchers are attempting to address these challenges using alternate theories where consciousness is regarded as a fundamental property of nature. This paper uses a unique interpretation of the notion of Saccidānanda (sat-cit-ānanda) of Advaita Vedānta, where cit is interpreted as cognizability, not as “infinite consciousness.” The metaphysical concepts related to the nature of reality and the three-body doctrine are used along with neurological and computational theories to propose a theory of consciousness called the “Advaitic Theory of Consciousness (ATC).” It is shown that ATC can help address many conceptual challenges in consciousness studies.