Main description:

This book presents consciousness models from Eastern and Western perspectives that accommodate current scientific research in the natural sciences and humanities, from neurological experiments through philosophical enquiries to spiritual approaches. It offers up to date research from key disciplines in consciousness studies ranging from neurology, quantum mechanics, algorithmic science, mathematics, and astrophysics to literary studies, philosophy, and (comparative) theology.

The volume examines the dichotomy between Western and Eastern perceptions of consciousness - where consciousness is perceived as brain activity by Western scientists, and as a divine presence by various religions, especially in the East. The essays contextualize each other and reciprocally illuminate the potential and limits of the respective approaches. The texts aim at a transdisciplinary and transcultural exchange of ideas in consciousness studies and address a readership from interested lay-readers to experts of the field. The volume is of interest to researchers of consciousness studies.

Contents:

Chapter 1. Thematic Introduction (East) (P.S. Satsangi).- Chapter 2. Thematic Introduction (West): Consciousness Contextualised: Which Consciousness? What Contexts? (A. Horatschek).- Part I. Models of Consciousness.- Chapter 3. Is "das Geistige" the Basis of the World? (Christine Mann).- Chapter 4. Consciousness and Implicit Self-Awareness (Rocco J. Gennaro).- Chapter 5. A Many-Sided Brain. The Jain Approach to Studying Consciousness (Andrea Diem).- Chapter 6. Panpsychism as a Theory of Consciousness (Philip Goff).- Part II. Consciousness and the Brain.- Chapter 7. Consciousness and Awareness - An Approach with Epileptology (Ulrich Stephani).- Chapter 8. Topological Graph Theoretic Models and Signal Processing for MEG/EEG Analysis (Apurva Narayan).- Part III. Consciousness and Artificial Intelligence.- Chapter 9. Algorithmic Science: A Challenge for Human Consciousness? (Anand Srivastav).- Chapter 10. Information, Artificial Intelligence and Consciousness (Subhash Kak).- Chapter 11. The Rendered Universe. Why Virtual Reality Unlocks the Secret of Reality (Christopher Lane).- Chapter 12. This is virtue gone nuts. Machine Ethics in Ian McEwans Machines Like Me and People Like You (2019) (Anna M. Horatschek).- Part IV. Consciousness and the Senses.- Chapter 13. Sonic Consciousness in Hindu India (Annette Wilke).- Chapter 14. Beyond Consciousness - Paths of Christian Mysticism in Late Antiquity (Andreas Muller).- Chapter 15. I am where it is: Improvisation and Consciousness - Some Recent Links (Ralph Yarrow).- Part V. Consciousness and Pragmatics.- Chapter 16. Religion, Leadership and Consciousness: Interactions and Opportunities (Andrew Davies).- Chapter 17. Complementarity and Quantum Cognition (Reinhard Blutner).- Chapter 18. Consciousness: Translated Matter or a Matter of Translation? (Anna M. Horatschek).- Part VI. Consciousness and the Intellect.- Chapter 19. Some Reflections on the Role of Time in (Astro-)Physics (Wolfgang Duschl).- Chapter 20. Exploring Alternative Realities (Mark Juergensmeyer).- Chapter 21. On the Way Towards an Indo-German Consciousness. The Discovery of Ancient India in Germany (Martin Krieger).- Chapter 22. Conclusion (Satsangi).