B. Alan Wallace introduces a natural theory of human consciousness that has its roots in contemporary physics and Buddhism. Wallace's "special theory of ontological relativity" suggests that mental phenomena are conditioned by the brain, but do not emerge from it. Rather, the entire natural world of mind and matter, subjects and objects, arises from a unitary dimension of reality. Wallace employs the Buddhist meditative practice of samatha to test his hypothesis, creating a kind of telescope to examine the space of the mind. He then proposes a more general theory in which the participatory nature of reality is envisioned as a self-excited circuit.In comparing these ideas to the Buddhist theory known as the Middle Way philosophy, Wallace explores further aspects of his "general theory of ontological relativity," which can be investigated through vipasyana, or insight, meditation. He then focuses on the theme of symmetry in quantum cosmology and the "problem of frozen time," relating these issues to the theory and practices of the Great Perfection school of Tibetan Buddhism. He concludes with a discussion of complementarity as it relates to science and religion.
Preface and Acknowledgments 1. The Unnatural History of Science 2. The Many Worlds of Naturalism 3. Toward a Natural Theory of Human Consciousness 4. Observing the Space of the Mind 5. A Special Theory of Ontological Relativity 6. High-Energy Experiments in Consciousness 7. A General Theory of Ontological Relativity 8. Experiments in Quantum Consciousness 9. Perfect Symmetry Notes Bibliography
B. Alan Wallace spent fourteen years as a Buddhist monk, ordained by H. H. the Dalai Lama. He then earned his undergraduate degree, summa cum laude, in physics and the philosophy of science at Amherst College, and his doctorate in religious studies from Stanford University. His Columbia University Press books are Mind in the Balance: Meditation in Science, Buddhism, and Christianity, Contemplative Science: Where Buddhism and Neuroscience Converge, and Buddhism and Science: Breaking New Ground (editor). A prolific writer who has translated numerous Tibetan Buddhist texts, he is the founder and president of the Santa Barbara Institute for Consciousness Studies (http://www.sbinstitute.com).
I recommend Hidden Dimensions to all interested in the most illusive of phenomena, human consciousness and its relationship with the rest of the universe. -- Rob Harle Metapsychology An ambitious book... timely and important reading for anyone interested in consciousness. -- Daniel S. Rizzuto Journal of Consciousness Studies Uniquely authoritative... I know of no other work on this subject with these attributes. -- Chris Clarke Network Review Insightful... interesting and thought-provoking. CHOICE
|
Ask a Question About this Product More... |
|
