Relationship of Consciousness

The Science Problem:

The perplexing issue of how consciousness can arise from the intricate web of neurons in the brain is widely regarded as the most daunting scientific puzzle of our time. The brain, a remarkably complex organ, is composed of nearly 100 billion neurons, with each neuron establishing connections with approximately 10,000 others, resulting in an astonishing ten trillion nerve connections. Considerable progress has been achieved in unravelling the complexities of brain activity and its impact on human behaviour. However, a profound mystery remains unresolved: the mechanism through which these intricate processes give rise to feelings, emotions, and subjective experiences. The intricate interplay of electrical and chemical signals exchanged between neurons has yet to be explicated in terms of how it leads to the perception of pain or the experience of seeing visual images.

The scientific community has shown a growing interest in the study of consciousness in the past few decades. Initially, exploring the mysterious depths of consciousness was not considered a serious pursuit in the realm of science. However, there has been a notable change in perspective, with a widespread acknowledgement that consciousness is a legitimate area of scientific inquiry.

The unique nature of consciousness sets it apart from other scientific problems, primarily because it is not directly observable. Unlike physical phenomena that can be seen and measured, consciousness cannot be accessed by simply looking into someone’s mind to observe their thoughts and feelings. Without the ability to observe consciousness objectively, there would be no empirical evidence to support its existence. Dealing with the unobservable is a familiar territory for scientists. Take electrons, for instance, which are too tiny to be detected visually. Nevertheless, scientists hypothesize the existence of unobservable entities to provide explanations for observable phenomena, such as lightning or vapour trails in cloud chambers. However, when it comes to consciousness, a unique situation arises where the very subject that necessitates explanation cannot be directly observed. Our immediate awareness of our feelings and experiences, rather than experimental evidence, serves as the basis for our understanding of consciousness.

Explaining consciousness through the lens of science presents a unique set of challenges, primarily due to the intangible nature of this phenomenon. While experiments can be conducted to validate observable data against theoretical predictions, the realm of consciousness remains elusive as it defies direct observation. To address this limitation, scientists resort to indirect methods, such as correlating subjective experiences with observable brain activity. By employing techniques like brain scans and self-reports, researchers aim to establish links between the unobservable aspects of consciousness and the measurable processes of the brain.

Through this approach, it is possible to ascertain that the intangible sensation of hunger is indeed linked to observable brain activity within the hypothalamus of the brain. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that the accumulation of such correlations does not constitute a comprehensive theory of consciousness. Our ultimate goal is to elucidate the underlying causes for the correlation between conscious experiences and brain activity. In particular, we strive to comprehend the precise relationship between hypothalamic activity and the experience of hunger.

Science and Spirituality Combined:

The hypothesis I propose asserts that to comprehend the correlation between conscious experiences and brain activity, it is necessary to first establish whether there is an active relationship between the various states of human consciousness.

“The connection between my emotional state and brain function became increasingly apparent. The relentless burning feeling in my head was so severe that even the lightest touch would result in unbearable pain. It appeared as though the neurons in my brain were reacting to the electric impulses from my hand. However, the intensity of the pain was not solely determined by physical contact. Various actions, such as smiling, yawning, or sneezing, would activate specific regions of my brain, exacerbating the burning sensation. Likewise, my emotions played a role in amplifying the pain; feelings of sadness or happiness would cause certain brain areas to burn more intensely.

The continuous burning sensation resembled the perpetual flow of waves in the ocean, always moving in a specific direction. The pain initiated in the top front/right lobe, then extended to the top front/left lobe before cascading down like a waterfall to the lower back/left side of my brain, and subsequently moving across to the lower back/right side, forming an unbroken circle that just continued to flow.

Another circumstance that could lead to a sudden escalation of the burning sensation occurred when individuals approached me. As their proximity increased, so did the intensity of the discomfort. I could be seated alone on a chair in the room, isolated from any external stimuli, with my eyes closed. Even without the ability to hear any sounds, such as the door opening, I would promptly discern the entry of another person into the room as the burning sensation intensified. With my eyes still closed, I could mentally follow the path of an individual as they walked across a particular area in the room.”

Beverley Gilmour

What is the ‘Relationship of Consciousness?’

Generally speaking, the relationship of consciousness is to ascertain the existence of an interactive correlation between altered states of consciousness. On a conscious level, we engage in a continuous cognitive process that shapes our perceptions of self, preferences, actions, observations, and responses. The subconscious mind, on the other hand, operates autonomously, making decisions without the need for deliberate conscious thought. It differs from the conscious mind, which encompasses the thoughts that we are aware of at any given time. The fundamental question pertains to the existence of an elevated state of consciousness. If we can establish the existence of a third consciousness, it raises the question of whether this ‘third’ consciousness is independent of the subconscious or an extension of such. Of greater significance is the determination of the purpose that this heightened state of consciousness would serve.

The term ‘relationship’ encompasses three fundamental elements: a connection, an association, or an involvement between two or more independent entities.