Event Horizons of the Psyche

8/10/2019 Event Horizons of the Psyche

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UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA

RIVERSIDE

Event Horizons of the Psyche Synchronicity! Psyche"e#ics!$n" the %et$&hysics of Conscio'sness

A Dissert$tion s'()itte" in &$rti$# s$tisf$ctionof the re*'ire)ents for the "e+ree of

Doctor of Phi#oso&hy

in

Phi#oso&hy

(y

D$vi" ,r'ce A#(ert -r.

-'ne! /001

Dissert$tion Co))ittee

Professor -ohn Fischer! Ch$ir&ersonProfessor L$rry 2ri+ht

Professor ,ri$n S)ith


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Co&yri+ht (yD$vi" ,r'ce A#(ert -r.

/001


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The Dissert$tion of D$vi" ,r'ce A#(ert -r. is $&&rove"

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3333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333

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Co))ittee Ch$ir&erson

University of C$#iforni$! Riversi"e


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A,STRACT OF THE DISSERTATION

Event Horizons of the Psyche

Synchronicity! Psyche"e#ics! $n" the %et$&hysics of

Conscio'sness

(y

D$vi" ,r'ce A#(ert -r.

Doctor of Phi#oso&hy! 4r$"'$te Pro+r$) in Phi#oso&hy

University of C$#iforni$! Riversi"e! -'ne /001

Professor -ohn Fischer! Ch$ir&erson

This st'"y &resents $ )et$&hysic$# theory th$t "escri(es the ro#es of the &hysio#o+y of

the (r$in! the "yn$)ics of the &syche! $n" s&irit'$#! non5s&$tiote)&or$# re$#ities in h')$n

conscio'sness. The ter) &ort$# e6&erience is &ro&ose" to inc#'"e occ'#t &heno)en$ $ssoci$te"

7ith 7itchcr$ft! )$+ic! $n" "ivin$tion8 &si &heno)en$ "escri(e" (y &$r$&sycho#o+y8 $n"

)ystic$# e6&eriences! &$rtici&$tion )ysti*'e! $n" other &heno)en$ $ssoci$te" 7ith $ncient

$n" )o"ern re#i+io's syste)s s'ch $s 2icc$. D'rin+ &ort$# e6&eriences! infor)$tion fro)

o'tsi"e the &hysic$# 7or#" of s&$ce $n" ti)e conste##$tes itse#f in the )in"! $&&e$rin+ $s

sy)(o#s! n')ino's fee#in+s! or $ sense of tr$nscen"ent$# one5ness. The theory of

conscio'sness &ro&ose" in this st'"y e6$ins ho7 &ort$# e6&eriences of non5s&$tiote)&or$#

re$#ity c$n occ'r in &ersons 7ith &hysic$# (o"ies.

-$ynes9 :,ic$)er$# %in": $n" E"e#)$n9s :Theory of Ne'ron$# 4ro'& Se#ection: $re

e6$)ine" $s &hysio#o+ic$# theories of conscio'sness. ,oth $re re;ecte" (ec$'se they $r+'e for

conscio'sness $s #in+'istic $n" soci$#! ('t the theories s'ccee" in sho7in+ the ro#e of )et$&hor

$n" of ch$otic! "yn$)ic$# syste)s in conscio'sness. The &syche"e#ic (ootstr$&&in+ theory

&ro&ose" in this st'"y "escri(es the ro#e of entheo+ens! "r'+s 7hich &reci&it$te $#tere"

conscio'sness! $s $n $#tern$tive to #in+'istic theories! to e6$in ho7 conscio'sness (ec$)e

&ossi(#e "'rin+ evo#'tion.Port$# e6&eriences! ch$r$cterize" $ccor"in+ to St$ce9s :Intersection Theory:! $re sho7n

to (e "yn$)ic$# syste)s invo#vin+ fr$ct$# (o'n"$ries (et7een &hysic$# $n" non5&hysic$#

re$#ities. -'n+9s theory of $rchety&es $n" the co##ective 'nconscio's is $#so sho7n to invo#ve

"yn$)ic$# syste)s! in the for) of &sychoi" &rocesses. -'n+9s theory of synchronicity sho7s

ho7 the ch$otic &hysio#o+ic$# &rocesses $ssoci$te" 7ith conscio'sness in the (r$in! the

"yn$)ic$# &rocess of the &syche! $n" the fr$ct$# (o'n"$ry in the )et$&hysic$# intersection $re

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connecte" to one $nother "'rin+ $ &ort$# e6&erience! so th$t infor)$tion fro) o'tsi"e the

&hysic$# 7or#" c$n enter conscio'sness. Stron+er versions of the theory ho#" th$t there $re

&sychoi" &rocesses i"entic$# 7ith the )et$&hysic$# intersection! $n" th$t (ec$'se the co##ective

'nconscio's is the s$)e in everyone! the )et$&hysic$# intersection of s&$tiote)&or$# $n"

non5s&$tiote)&or$# re$#ities is re*'ire" for the e6istence of conscio'sness.

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Table of Contents

Intro"'ction The Se$rch for the So'#......................................................................................../

Ch$&ter / Port$# E6&erience.......................................................................................................

Ch$&ter ? Intersection $n" the Unconscio's......................................................................./?>

Ch$&ter @ Ac$'s$#ity $n" Conscio'sness............................................................................/


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Intro"'ction The Se$rch for the So'#

This st'"y &resents $ )et$&hysic$# theory of conscio'sness. %et$&hysic$# theories of

conscio'sness +ener$##y f$## into one of t7o +ro'&s scientifictheories! fo'n"e" '&on 7h$t isno7n $(o't the $n$to)y $n" &hysio#o+y of the (r$in! $n" spiritualtheories! fo'n"e" '&on

the insi+hts +$ine" fro) )ystic$# $n" re#i+io's e6&eriences. The t7o $&&ro$ches 's'$##y

&resent the)se#ves $s $nt$+onistic $n" )'t'$##y e6c#'sive. The foc's of the scientific $&&ro$ch

is '&on infor)$tion $(o't the &hysic$# n$t're of the (r$in! often conc#'"in+ th$t 7h$tever

conscio'sness is! it must(e $ ne'ro#o+ic$# &heno)enon! 7hi#e the s&irit'$# $&&ro$ch foc'ses

'&on intros&ective $n" i)$+in$tive "$t$! often conc#'"in+ th$t 7h$tever conscio'sness is! the

(o"y is so)ethin+ th$t +ets in its 7$y.

The scientific $&&ro$ch! theoretic$##y fo'n"e" '&on e)&iric$# o(serv$tion $n" testin+!

f$i#s (ec$'se it ref'ses to $cco'nt for scientific "$t$ &ert$inin+ to non5&hysic$# &heno)en$. ,y

ref'sin+ to incor&or$te the "$t$ of &$r$&sycho#o+y! scientific theories e6hi(it $ )et$&hysic$#

(i$s th$t 'n"er)ines their &ers'$siveness $s e)&iric$# syste)s. Si)i#$r#y! s&irit'$# theories

over#oo the r$ther o(vio's f$ct th$t conscio'sness! or 7h$t they "escri(e $s conscio'sness!

e6ists in $ssoci$tion 7ith $ (io#o+ic$# h')$n (ein+. The )etho"s 'se" to in"'ce s&irit'$#

e6&eriences 55 (re$thin+ e6ercises! f$stin+! "r'+s! $n" others 55 h$ve &hysic$# effects '&on the

(o"y th$t tri++er the s&irit'$# e6&erience. In f$i#in+ to $cco'nt for those &hysic$# effects! the

s&irit'$# theories $#so f$i# $s co)&rehensive e6$n$tions for the n$t're of h')$n

conscio'sness.The theory "eve#o&e" in this st'"y is 'ni*'e (ec$'se it is fo'n"e" '&on (oth the

(io#o+y of the h')$n nervo's syste)! $n" the e6&eriences of tr$nscen"ent re$#ity th$t for) the

core of )ystic$# $n" re#i+io's tho'+ht. It t$es $s its fo'n"$tions the e6istence of $#tern$tive

re$#ities! or :7or#"s:! fo'n" in s&irit'$# theories! $n" the &h$r)$co#o+y of ne'rotr$ns)itters in

the (r$in. S&ecific$##y! this theory is offere" $s $n e6$n$tion for those c$ses in 7hich $n

in"ivi"'$# is e6&ose" to so)e &sycho$ctive s'(st$nce! $n" s'(se*'ent#y re&orts h$vin+ h$" $

)ystic$# e6&erience8 or there occ'rs so)e other in" of conscio's st$te in 7hich either $ re$#ity

"ifferent fro) th$t of or"in$ry conscio'sness is e6&erience"! or the e6&erience of or"in$ry

re$#ity t$es on ne7 )e$nin+ or si+nific$nce. The theory "eve#o&e" to e6$in this &$rtic'#$r

&heno)enon 7i##! of co'rse! h$ve )'ch (ro$"er i)ic$tions.

The "iscovery of this theory 7i## #e$" the re$"er thro'+h )'ch 'nf$)i#i$r territory.

The "eve#o&)ent of this theory 7i## re*'ire "isc'ssions of &hysio#o+y! &h$r)$co#o+y! the

occ'#t! -'n+i$n &sycho#o+y! )ytho#o+y! ch$os theory! $n" even (#$c ho#es $n" *'$s$rs. Fro)

the sco&e of the infor)$tion re*'ire" to "eve#o& $ 7or$(#e theory of conscio'sness! it $&&e$rs

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th$t! fo##o7in+ the )e"iev$# "octrine of the )icrocos)! $ co)ete theory of conscio'sness

7o'#" re*'ire $ co)ete theory of the cos)os itse#f! *'ite &ossi(#y $n i)&ossi(#e t$s. To

'n"erst$n" 7hy I h$ve se#ecte" cert$in &$rts of the cos)os! (oth )$cro $n" )icro! to e6$)ine!

it )$y (e he#&f'# to chronic#e the events #e$"in+ the $'thor to his o7n "iscovery of this theory.

D'rin+ the co'rse of )y st'"ies in ne'ro&hysio#o+y $n" &h$r)$co#o+y in the #$te

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)'st (oth n$vi+$te the ;'n+#e of the (r$in $n" "$re to s$i# the se$s of eternity. One )'st not

on#y f$ce the technic$# ch$##en+es of the s&ecific "isciines invo#ve"! ('t one )'st $#so

ch$##en+e the &re;'"ices $n" (i$ses inherent 7ithin those "isciines.

There is no s'ch thin+ $s &hi#oso&hy5in5itse#f. Phi#oso&hic$# theses $re not )ove)ents

fro) $)(i+'ity to tr'th! nor fro) i+nor$nce to no7#e"+e they $re $r+')ents fro) &re)ises

to conc#'sions. As s'ch! the interestin+ *'estions #ie in the re$son cert$in &re)ises $re

se#ecte"! $n" 7hy they $re $r+'e" in cert$in 7$ys. This necess$ri#y $'to(io+r$&hic$#

intro"'ction is inten"e" to est$(#ish the ($c+ro'n" o't of 7hich this &$&er e)er+es. This is

not $ &res'&&osition#ess &ro;ect 55 I h$ve so'+ht to investi+$te $n" e#'ci"$te $ )et$&hysics of

conscio'sness th$t c$&t'res those fe$t'res of Psyche in 7hich I $) intereste". ,eh$viorists!$n$to)ists! theo#o+i$ns! $n" others 7o'#" cert$in#y choose "ifferent "$t$ to consi"er! $n" $

"ifferent &oint of vie7 fro) 7hich to $r+'e. It is not )y intention to entert$in $r+')ents $s to

7hose )et$&hysics is (etter8 I &ro&ose inste$" to &rovi"e $ $'si(#e $cco'nt of $ )et$&hysics

of the )in" th$t inc#'"es the historic$# "eve#o&)ent of conscio'sness $s it h$s reve$#e" itse#f to

)e thro'+h )y o7n st'"ies.

The &ro(#e) this &$&er $""ress is the "eve#o&)ent of $ theory of the )et$&hysics of

the )in" th$t $cco'nts for the &sycho&h$r)$co#o+y of the (r$in $n" for the &heno)en$ of

&ort$# e6&erience. S'ch $ theory sho'#" &rovi"e $ ($sis for the 'n"erst$n"in+ of the ro#e

$ye" (y &ort$# e6&eriences in the "eve#o&)ent of conscio'sness. This theory $r+'es for the

&osition th$t the )in" 7$s! in essence! $ co5evo#'tion$ry &ro;ect (et7een &hysic$# $n"

non5&hysic$# e#e)ents 55 $ coo&er$tive effort (et7een (io#o+ic$#! &hysic$# $n" s&irit'$#

"i)ensions.

The first ch$&ter &resents $n $cco'nt of &ort$# e6&erience! $#on+ 7ith sever$# e6$)es.

Port$# e6&eriences $re ch$r$cteristic of not on#y occ'#t $n" re#i+io's en"e$vors! ('t c$n $#so (e

fo'n" thro'+ho't the )ytho#o+ic$# recor". They $#7$ys &oint to! or s'++est! the e6istence of $

re$#ity th$t is "ifferent fro) the &hysic$# 7or#" of s&$ce $n" ti)e. The i"e$ of constellation! $s

the &rocess (y 7hich infor)$tion fro) these other :re$#ities: is i)&resse" '&on the )in" of theo(server! is intro"'ce" $s the foc$# &oint of this st'"y! $#on+ 7ith participation mystique! the

fee#in+ th$t the in"ivi"'$# is in so)e 7$y :hooe" in: to the 'niverse $t #$r+e. %ytho#o+ies

often recor" $n" inter&ret re$#ity in 7$ys th$t ref#ect the 'ni*'eness of the c'#t'res th$t

&ro"'ce" the)! ('t they $#so reve$# $n 'n"er#yin+ si)i#$rity th$t ref#ects the n$t're of the

:other: re$#ity. %ytho#o+ies $re! $)on+ other thin+s! symbolicinter&ret$tions on $ c'#t'r$#

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#eve# of the )et$&hysic$# "yn$)ics of &ort$# e6&erience. Port$# e6&eriences $re! $ccor"in+ to

the $r+')ents &resente" in this ch$&ter! $#7$ys inter&rete" sy)(o#ic$##y.

2ith this :s&irit'$#: "$t$ in h$n"! ch$&ter t7o t'rns to the :scientific: "$t$. T7o

theories of conscio'sness $re &resente" -'#i$n -$ynes9 bicameral mindtheory! $n" 4er$#"

E"e#)$n9s Theory of Neuronal Group Selection. These theories (oth $r+'e th$t conscio'sness

(ec$)e &ossi(#e on#y thro'+h the evo#'tion of the h')$n (r$in. 2hi#e the theories $&&e$r

*'ite "ifferent! it 7i## (e sho7n th$t in their essenti$# co)&onents they $re *'ite si)i#$r! $n"

co)e)ent e$ch other in &ro"'cin+ $ &hysio#o+ic$# theory of conscio'sness. ,oth -$ynes9

$n" E"e#)$n9s theories e)&h$size the ro#e of #$n+'$+e $s $ for)$tive f$ctor in the

"eve#o&)ent of conscio'sness. On (oth of these theories! conscio'sness is essenti$##y $ soci$#

$s 7e## $s &hysio#o+ic$# &heno)enon. L$n+'$+e f'nctions! in (oth theories! to (ri"+e the +$&

(et7een 7h$t is no7n $(o't the (io#o+y of the (r$in! $n" 7h$t is s'(;ective#y e6&erience" $s

conscio'sness.I re;ect the notions th$t conscio'sness is essenti$##y either $ soci$# or $ #in+'istic

&heno)enon! &ri)$ri#y (ec$'se &ort$# e6&eriences! 7hi#e they )$y h$ve i)&ort$nt soci$#

conse*'ences! $re essenti$##y in"ivi"'$# $ff$irs. A theory of conscio'sness th$t re+$r"s &ort$#

e6&eriences $s constit'tive )'st therefore $cco'nt for the ro#e of &ort$# e6&erience in the

"eve#o&)ent of e$ch in"ivi"'$#9s o7n conscio'sness. Accor"in+#y! ch$&ter three &resents $

theory of ho7 the "ifference (et7een the (io#o+y of the (r$in $n" the s'(;ective e6&erience of

conscio'sness co'#" h$ve $risen! on the ($sis of &h$r)$co#o+y $n" "yn$)ic$# syste)s theory.

Conscio'sness! in this theory! 7$s )$"e &ossi(#e (y the $&&e$r$nce of ch$otic syste)s in the

(r$in! &reci&it$te" (y &sycho$ctive s'(st$nces fo'n" in n$t're.

Acco'ntin+ for the &ossi(i#ity of conscio'sness is one thin+8 $cco'ntin+ for the s&ecific

content of &ort$# e6&eriences is $nother. ,oth ch$&ters t7o $n" three est$(#ish th$t!

&hysio#o+ic$##y! conscio'sness invo#ves the &resence of "yn$)ic$# syste)s in the (r$in.

Dyn$)ic$# syste)s $re! ro'+h#y! &$rts $ctin+ to+ether $s $ 7ho#e! the (eh$vior of the 7ho#e

not (ein+ c$'s$##y "eter)ine" (y the (eh$vior of the in"ivi"'$# co)&onents. S'ch syste)s $re

chaotic! (ec$'se they "o not fo##o7 c$'s$# #$7s. Ch$&ter fo'r "eve#o&s the "yn$)ic$# syste)s

i"e$ f'rther! sho7in+ th$t conscio'sness fro) $ &sycho#o+ic$# st$n"&oint 55 $ccor"in+ to -'n+9s

theory of the 'nconscio's 55 is $ "yn$)ic$# syste). The "isc'ssion $#so est$(#ishes the ro#e of"yn$)ic$# syste)s in &ort$# e6&eriences the)se#ves! $n" intro"'ces the conce&t offractals! $s

re&e$tin+ &$tterns th$t constit'te the :"$t$: of &ort$# e6&erience.

H$vin+ est$(#ishe" in connection 7ith conscio'sness the &resence of "yn$)ic$#

syste)s in the (r$in! the &syche! $n" the &ort$#! the t$s of ch$&ter five is to e6$in

conste##$tion itse#f 55 ho7 it is &ossi(#e for infor)$tion fro) the $#tern$tive re$#ities of &ort$#

e6&erience to (e intro"'ce" into the )in" of $n in"ivi"'$# 7ith $ &hysic$# (o"y. -'n+9s theory

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of synchronicity &rovi"es the ($sis for this e6$n$tion! 7hich is &resente" in three versions.

Thepossibilitythesis e6$ins ho7 &ort$# e6&eriences $re &ossi(#e! the identitythesis sho7s 7hy

&ort$# e6&eriences h$ve their 'ni*'e content! $n" the necessitythesis $r+'es th$t &ort$#

e6&eriences $re inevit$(#e. A co)&$rison is )$"e (et7een this theory $n" Ste&hen H$7in+9s

theory of (#$c ho#es! s'++estin+ $n even (ro$"er version of the necessity thesis.

The conc#'sion 7i## s'))$rize the theory of conscio'sness "eve#o&e" in this st'"y!

$n" "isc'ss so)e of its i)ic$tions.

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Ch$&ter / Port$# E6&erience

So is every )$n he is (orn in v$nity $n" sin8 he co)es into the 7or#" #ie )ornin+)'shroo)s! soon thr'stin+ '& their he$"s into the $ir! $n" conversin+ 7ith their

in"re" of the s$)e &ro"'ction! $n" $s soon they t'rn into "'st $n" for+etf'#ness . . . to&reserve hi) fro) r'shin+ into nothin+! $n" $t first to "r$7 hi) '& fro) nothin+! 7eree*'$##y the iss'es of $n $#)i+hty &o7er.

55 -ere)y T$y#or! Holy Dying! />@/

2hi#e 7$#in+ ho)e fro) $ hie in the 7oo"s e$r#y one evenin+! I #ooe" '& $t the

st$rs s#o7#y e)er+in+ fro) the "$renin+ sy! $n" tho'+ht! :The +o"s $re &'ttin+ on their

&orch #i+hts.: T7o thin+s i))e"i$te#y str'c )e $(o't this vision th$t to h$ve $ )in" is to

h$ve the $(i#ity to re$ch (eyon" the confines of one9s senses $n" to'ch $ re$#ity th$t #ies

(eyon" sens'$# e6&erience! $n"! th$t 7h$t is seen in th$t re$#ity is h$'nte" 7ith the "istinctive

st$)& of the one 7ho to'ches it.

Visions s'ch $s this $re the st'ff o't 7hich $ncient re#i+ions $n" )ytho#o+ies 7ere

('i#t. Not )ere#y the seein+ of the s'n! )oon! $n" st$rs )ovin+ thro'+h the sy! ('t the

impressions#eft (y the seein+ of those thin+s! ins&ire" $ncient h')$nin" to &ortr$y those

events on the 7$##s of his c$ves! to inscri(e their i)$+es on his too#s! $n" to &$ss their stories

fro) +ener$tion to +ener$tion. The &$ss$+e of the se$sons! 7ith their cyc#ic$# ch$n+es of f#or$

$n" f$'n$! ins&ire" the $ncients to 7orshi& the &o7ers th$t )ove" those se$sons. In"ee"!

every event in the n$t'r$# 7or#" see)s to h$ve he#" the $ncients in $7e $n" reverence.

S'ch i)&ressions $re the 7or of the imagination! "efine" (y the Pocet O6for"Diction$ry $s the :)ent$# f$c'#ty for)in+ i)$+es or conce&ts of o(;ects not e6istent or &resent!

cre$tive f$c'#ty of the )in".: 2hi#e one )i+ht or"in$ri#y $ssoci$te the $(i#ity to reco)(ine

i"e$s in ne7 $n" nove# 7$ys 7ith the f$c'#ty of i)$+in$tion! in the re#ev$nt sense here it is the

$(i#ity to see or other7ise e6&erience (eyon" 7h$t is &resent to the &hysic$# senses. 2h$t is

s'++este" (y the vision $(ove is th$t i)$+in$tion is $#so the $(i#ity to see into $ "i)ension th$t

#ies (eyon" &hysic$# s&$ce $n" ti)e. To #oo $t the st$rs $n" see the #$)&s of the +o"s is to

re$ch (eyon" the senses into $nother 7or#" 55 &erh$&s $ 7or#" of )ent$# i)$+ery! or &erh$&s

)ore th$n th$t.

It 7$s C$r# 4'st$v -'n+ 7ho re$#ize" th$t s'ch visions $re not si)y the i)$+ery of $n

in"ivi"'$# )in". He s&oe of the) $s :th$t 7hich the o'ter i)&ression constellatesin the

s'(;ect.:/ I h$ve it$#icize" the 7or" constellates(ec$'se it is the cr'ci$# conce&t. -'st $s the

st$rs $rr$n+e" the)se#ves into conste##$tions in the )in"s of the $ncients! so they $n" other

n$t'r$# &heno)en$ conste##$te the visions of h')$nin" (oth &$st $n" &resent. Conste##$tion

is the reci&roc$# of i)$+in$tion 7hi#e i)$+in$tion sees 7h$t is hi""en to the senses! 7h$t is


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reve$#e" to the i)$+in$tion thro'+h the senses )'st h$ve the &o7er to conste##$te itse#f $s $n

i)$+e in the )in".

,y conste##$tion I )e$n so)ethin+ si)i#$r to 7h$t Loce )e$nt! 7hen he $r+'e" th$t

o(;ects h$ve cert$in ch$r$cteristics or *'$#ities! 7hich h$ve the &o7er to c$'se 's to see the) in

$ cert$in 7$y. Co#ors! for e6$)e! $re not ch$r$cteristics of the o(;ects the)se#ves $ccor"in+

to Loce9s theory! ('t inste$" the o(;ects h$ve $ cert$in s'rf$ce str'ct're th$t c$'ses 's to see

the) $s co#ore". No7 :&o7ers: $n" :c$'se": $re $#so v$+'e ter)s! so the )et$&hor is not

7ho##y &ers&ic'o's. ,'t the ter) conste##$tion refers to so)ethin+ )'ch #ie the :&o7ers: of

o(;ects to :c$'se: 's to see the) in cert$in 7$ys8 it $#so i)ies! ;'st #ie Loce9s theory! th$t

there is somethinge)&o7ere" to "o the conste##$tin+.

,'t 7h$t e6$ct#y is it th$t "oes the conste##$tin+G 2h$t &resente" itse#f to the $ncient

)in" $s the th'n"er5+o" h'r#in+ (o#ts of #i+htnin+ fro) the syG 2h$t "i" the $ncients really

see 7hen they s&oe of the )oon $s the 4o""ess 7ho is one ('t $#so threeG 2h$t is it th$treve$#e" itse#f thro'+h the #ife $n" "e$th of $ h')(#e c$r&enter fro) ,eth#ehe) so)e t7o

tho's$n" ye$rs $+oG 2hose voices "i" -o$n of Arc he$r! $n" 7ho 7$s it th$t visite" Teres$ of

Avi#$ on St. Peter9s Fest! 7hen she re&orte" th$t! :I co'#" not he#& re$#izin+ th$t He 7$s (esi"e

)e! $n" th$t I s$7 $n" fe#t this c#e$r#yG:

In $## of these c$ses! the s'++estion is th$t so)ethin+ 7$s e6&erience" in so)e *'ite

or"in$ry 7$y! fro) 7hich so)ethin+ very e6tr$5or"in$ry 7$s &erceive". As $ si)er

e6$)e! s'&&ose $ "ict$tor erects $ st$t'e of hi)se#f in so)e to7n 7here his $r)ies h$ve

c$rrie" o't r'th#ess o&&ression. In the )in"s of the to7ns&eoe! the st$t'e to the) )e$ns

o&&ression. There is nothin+ in the stone of the st$t'e! nothin+ in its #ines $n" c'rves! nothin+

$(o't the i)$+e re&resente" in the st$t'e to s'++est o&&ression8 to $n o'tsi"er visitin+ the

to7n! 7ith no no7#e"+e of its history! it is ;'st $ st$t'e. 2e )i+ht s$y th$t! in the )in"s of

the to7ns&eoe! the st$te h$s the &o7er to conste##$te resent)ent $n" h$tre". Fro) the

o(server9s st$n"&oint! &o#itic$# o&&ression is i)$+ine"! ('t fro) the st$t'e9s st$n"&oint! it h$s

the &o7er to conste##$te o&&ression in the )in"s of the o&&resse".

The tent$tive ('t very 'ns$tisfyin+ $ns7er $(o't 7h$t! in the c$ses note" $(ove! "oes

the conste##$tin+ is th$t it is the unknownth$t conste##$tes itse#f vi$ i)$+es of the o'tsi"e 7or#".

2h$t is seen is th$t 7hich #ies (eyon" the e6&erience of the &hysic$# senses $n" is in$ccessi(#eto the)! (eyon" the 7or#" 7ith 7hich the o(server is f$)i#i$r! $n" (eyon" the $(i#ity of the

o(server to "escri(e in $ny &ers&ic'o's 7$y. It is not the thin+ 7hich is seen (y the eyes! ('t

so)e 'nno7n thin+ ri"in+ its co$t5t$i#s thro'+h the senses $n" into the )in" of the seer.

There is nothin+ in the &erce&tion of the st$rs itse#f! $s $ sensory e6&erience! to s'++est the

#$)&s of the +o"s8 it is so)e other thin+ 55 so)ethin+ o'tsi"e the &hysic$# sens$tion of the

st$rs 55 conste##$tin+ itse#f $s the #$)&s of the +o"s! t$in+ $"v$nt$+e! so to s&e$! of the vis'$#

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i)$+e. I h$ve st$)&e" )y &erce&tion of th$t thin+ 7ith so)ethin+ 7ith 7hich I $) f$)i#i$r

&orch #i+hts (ein+ t'rne" on $t ni+ht ('t it h$s $#so st$)&e" itse#f 7ith so)ethin+ 'tter#y

'nf$)i#i$r 55 the &resence of (ein+s tot$##y 'n#ie )yse#f! tot$##y o'tsi"e $ny e6&erience

$ccessi(#e to the senses.

It is this fe$t're of irre"'ci(i#ity 55 of (oth f$)i#i$rity $n" $#so the i)&ossi(i#ity of

f$)i#i$rity 55 th$t +ives s'ch visions their &sycho#o+ic$# i)&$ct. They $re refr$ctory to

inte##ect'$# $n$#ysis. Cert$in#y I no7 th$t I $) #ooin+ $t the st$rs. I no7 $(o't st$rs! $(o't

+$#$6ies! $(o't ste##$r f'sion $n" +r$vity8 I no7 th$t s'ch thin+s $re no7n to science!

"escri(e" (y )$the)$tic$# )o"e#s 7hich! I $) to#"! $re too co)e6 to for )e to 'n"erst$n"!

('t not too co)e6 for $ +ifte" fe7 in 7ho) 7e $re to#" to $ce o'r inte##ect'$# tr'st. I no7

th$t I $) #ooin+ $t st$rs! o(;ects in s&$ce. Yet it is in s&ite of th$t! or &erh$&s in )ocery of it!

th$t so)e other thin+ h$s co)e into )y )in" $n" seize" ho#" of )y i)$+in$tion. It h$s

conste##$te" itse#f in $n irre"'ci(#e &$r$"o6! so)ethin+ th$t (oth $re $n" $re not! i))'ne tore"'ction $n" "isso#'tion (y the too#s of #o+ic $n" science.

S'ch visions $re the st'ff of 7hich re#i+ions $n" )ytho#o+ies $re ('i#t8 I sh$## $r+'e in

this st'"y th$t they $re $#so the st'ff of 7hich conscio'sness itse#f is constr'cte". The n$t're of

conscio'sness is $ conste##$tion of to&ics in itse#f8 I 7i## foc's '&on those $s&ects of

conscio'sness th$t $re connecte" 7ith the i)$+in$tion! $n" )ore s&ecific$##y 7ith its

)ytho#o+ic$# $n" )ystic$# $s&ects. ,y :)ytho#o+ic$# $n" )ystic$# $s&ects: I )e$n the

constr'ction of stories! sy)(o#s! (e#ief syste)s! $n" &r$ctices $ssoci$te" 7ith h$vin+ visions of

re$#ities th$t #ie o'tsi"e sensory e6&erience. I 7i## 'se the ter)portal experienceto i"entify

those e6&eriences th$t invo#ve enco'nters 7ith these non5sensory re$#ities8 portal(ec$'se if

these e6&eriences $re 7h$t they $re c#$i)e" to (e! then they $re )ove)ents 7ithin $n"

;o'rneys thro'+h +$te7$ys (et7een 7h$t St$ce c$##e" :or"ers: $n" 7h$t I $) c$##in+ :re$#ities:

$n" :7or#"s:. These )o"es of e6istence $re so "ifferent fro) e$ch other th$t one co'#" not (e

sit'$te" in the )o"e of &hysic$# s&$ce5ti)e $n" $#so (e sit'$te" in the 'nno7n! ('t one could

st$n" in the +$te7$y (et7een the).=

As $n initi$# $tte)&t to ch$r$cterize 7h$t is )e$nt (y ter)s s'ch $s :o'tsi"e:! :)o"es

of e6istence:! :"ifferent:! $n" so on! #et 's try $ )et$&horic e6$)e. I)$+ine 7or#"s $s

&in+5&on+ ($##s. There is the 7or#" in 7hich 7e $re sit'$te" 55 7e $re insi"e one &$rtic'#$r($##. The :other 7or#"s: $re other ($##s! &erh$&s one! &erh$&s )$ny. One c$nnot (e insi"e one

($##! $n" insi"e $nother $t the s$)e ti)e. ,'t! if t7o 7ere to co##i"e s'ch th$t their s'rf$ces

te)&or$ri#y )e#te" into one s'rf$ce! one co'#" st$n" $t the cont$ct &oint.

,eyon" $ first +#$nce! the )et$&hor is &oor (ec$'se 7or#"s $re not &in+5&on+ ($##s. 1

2e $re te)&te" (y the )et$&hor to thin th$t there is so)e st$n"&oint! o'tsi"e $## of the

7or#"s! fro) 7hich they c$n (e vie7e". There is no s'ch st$n"&oint. To (e :in $ 7or#":! to

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h$ve $ :)o"e of e6istence:! is to inst$nti$te the ch$r$cteristics th$t )$r off th$t 7or#" fro) $##

the others. If 7e $re :in: the 7or#" of &hysic$# s&$ce5ti)e! it is (ec$'se 7e h$ve &hysic$#

(o"ies 7hose e6istence re#$tes to the conce&ts of s&$ce $n" ti)e in $ 7$y th$t is sh$re" (y the

other o(;ects in th$t 7or#". There is! of co'rse! $ +re$t "e$# )ore th$t co'#" (e s$i" $(o't this!

('t $t this &oint in the st'"y it is on#y necess$ry to 'n"erst$n" th$t :conste##$tion:! in the sense

I $) consi"erin+ it! refers to the &o7er in the sense 'se" (y Loce of so)ethin+ o'tsi"e the

7or#" in 7hich 7e $re sit'$te" the 7or#" of &hysic$# s&$ce5ti)e! for the )o)ent to i)&ress

itse#f '&on the )in" of so)eone insi"e th$t 7or#". It is $n i)&ression $(ove $n" (eyon" 7h$t

c$n (e "etecte" (y the &hysic$# senses.

2hen the $ncients 7$tche" the )ove)ent of the se$sons! they 'n"erstoo" the)se#ves

not $s :s'(;ective: s&ect$tors of :o(;ective: n$t'r$# &heno)en$! ('t r$ther $s $ctive &$rtici&$nts

in $ "yn$)ic $n" #ivin+ 7or#". Anthro&o#o+ist L'cien Levy5,r'h# c$##e" thisparticipation

mystique, &erh$&s the )ost i)&ort$nt e6$)e of the )ytho#o+ic$# $n" )ystic$# i)$+in$tion$n" its re#$te" conste##$tion &heno)en$. It is the (e#ief th$t the in"ivi"'$# h')$n (ein+ st$n"s

not $#one! ('t $s $n $ctive &$rtici&$nt in the "r$)$ of the n$t'r$# 7or#" $ro'n" hi) or her.

Fro) Dr'i"ic rites of se$son$# &$ss$+e to In"i$n r$in $n" ('ff$#o "$nces! the )ytho#o+ies $n"

&r$ctices of the &re5techno#o+ic$#?h')$n (ein+ ref#ect his or her $ce $s $ &$rtici&$nt in the

7or#" of n$t're! (oth seen $n" 'nseen.

Not on#y ce#esti$# o(;ects serve" $s vehic#es of the 'nno7n. Co))on in Ce#tic $re$s is

the (e#ief in 7h$t Ev$ns52entz c$##s the F$iry5F$ith

,y the Ce#tic F$iry5F$ith 7e )e$n th$t s&eci$#ize" for) of (e#ief in $ s&irit'$# re$#)inh$(ite" (y s&irit'$# (ein+s 7hich h$s e6iste" fro) &rehistoric ti)es 'nti# no7 . . . An"if f$iries $ct'$##y e6ist $s invisi(#e (ein+s or inte##i+ences! $n" o'r investi+$tions #e$" 'sto the tent$tive hy&othesis th$t they "o! then they $re n$t'r$# $n" not s'&ern$t'r$#! fornothin+ 7hich e6ists c$n (e s'&ern$t'r$#. @

Accor"in+ to this (e#ief! f$iries $re nor)$##y invisi(#e (ein+s th$t inh$(it n$t'r$# $ces

s'ch $s 7oo"s! rivers! $n" &$rtic'#$r#y )o'n"s fro) 7hich they occ$sion$##y e)er+e into the

&hysic$# 7or#". Ev$ns52entz &resents $ "et$i#e" $cco'nt of the (e#ief! sho7in+ it to (e

7i"es&re$"! $n" th$t it is $ s&ecies of conste##$tion 55 th$t 7h$t is seen $s $ )in'te h')$n for)

is so)ethin+ th$t h$s i)&resse" itse#f on the )in" in th$t for). There $re no :#itt#e &eoe:r'nnin+ $ro'n" in the +ro'n" (ene$th o'r feet! ('t there areforces or &o7ers conste##$te" (y

n$t're>th$t reve$# the)se#ves to 's in th$t 7$y. The (ein+s referre" to $s :f$iries: $re the

conste##$te" forces of the n$t'r$# 7or#".

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C#ose#y $##ie" to &$rtici&$tion is animism! the (e#ief th$t there is $ 'nivers$# vit$#izin+

&rincie th$t 'n"er#ies e6istence. The (e#iefs in tree5+o"s! river5+o"s! $n" so forth $re

e6$)es of this. Re+$r"in+ its ro#e in $ncient Ce#tic re#i+ions! C$nnon %$cC'##och 7rites

The e$r#iest Ce#tic 7orshi&! #ie th$t of )ost other &eoes! 7$s +iven to s&irits ofn$t're! of the se$! rivers! trees! )o'nt$ins! sy! $n" he$ven#y (o"ies! so)e of 7hich! $sti)e 7ent on! (ec$)e )ore &erson$# "eities. A## &$rts of n$t're 7ere $#ive! $s )$n 7$s!$n" he fo'n" these frien"#y or hosti#e . . . The (e#ief in $ni)is)! the (e#ief th$teverythin+ 7$s $#ive! ten$nte" (y $ so'# or s&irit! h$s (een 'nivers$#.


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n$t're )ysticis) is $n e6&erience in 7hich one fee#s $ sense of 'nity 7ith the o(;ects of

&erce&tion 55 one fee#s! for e6$)e! $n 'n"er#yin+ 'nity 7ith the n$t'r$# 7or#" th$t is ($se"

'&on so)e st$te of (ein+ not i))e"i$te#y "iscover$(#e (y the senses. 2$#ter St$ce 7rites

The cr'ci$# st$te)ent is th$t these e6tern$# thin+s! $#tho'+h )$ny! 7ere neverthe#essperceied55 seen (y the eyes 55 $s $## one8 th$t is! they 7ere &erceive" $s si)'#t$neo's#y)$ny $n" one . . . In s$yin+ th$t the +r$ss! 7oo"! $n" stone $re &erceive" $s one!Ech$rt "oes not )e$n th$t he "oes not &erceive the "ifferences (et7een the) . . . he)e$ns th$t they $re (oth "istinct $n" i"entic$#. R'"o#f Otto h$s e6&resse" the tho'+ht'nco)&ro)isin+#y $n" (#'nt#y th's :,#$c "oes not ce$se to (e (#$c! nor 7hite 7hite.The o&&osites coinci"e 7itho't ce$sin+ to (e 7h$t they $re in the)se#ves.:1

This is not terri(#y "ifferent fro) the i"e$ of :h$##'cin$tion: $s "escri(e" (y Sch'#tes

$n" Hof)$nn. There is $ sense in 7hich one is $ &$rtici&$nt in $ #$r+er conte6t! ('t one ret$ins

one9s o7n i"entity! $s "o other o(;ects. It is very si)i#$r to &$rtici&$tion )ysti*'e.

On the other h$n"! introvertive )ysticis) invo#ves the "isso#'tion of the i"entity of

(oth the e6&erient $n" the o(;ect of e6&erience into $n 'n"ifferenti$te" 'nity. 2rites St$ce

O'r nor)$# every"$y conscio'sness $#7$ys h$s o(;ects. They )$y (e &hysic$# o(;ects!or i)$+es! or even o'r o7n fee#in+s or tho'+hts &erceive" intros&ective#y. S'&&osethen th$t 7e o(#iter$te fro) conscio'sness $## o(;ects )ent$# or &hysic$#. 2hen the se#fis not en+$+e" in $&&rehen"in+ o(;ects it (eco)es $7$re of itse#f. The se#f itse#fe)er+es. The se#f! ho7ever! 7hen stri&&e" of $## &sycho#o+ic$# contents or o(;ects! isnot $nother thin+! or s'(st$nce! "istinct fro) its contents. It is the ($re 'nity of the)$nifo#" of conscio'sness fro) 7hich the )$nifo#" itse#f h$s (een o(#iter$te". Thissee)s $n$#o+o's to s$yin+ th$t if fro) $ 7ho#e or 'nity of )$ny &$rts 7e co'#" s'(tr$ct$## the &$rts! the e)&ty 7ho#e or 'nity 7o'#" (e #eft. This is $nother st$te)ent of the&$r$"o6 there sho'#" (e $ &ositive e6&erience 7hich h$s no &ositive content 55 $ne6&erience 7hich is (oth so)ethin+ $n" nothin+.

One )$y $#so s$y th$t the )ystic +ets ri" of the e)&iric$# e+o 7here'&on the &'re e+o!nor)$##y hi""en! e)er+es into the #i+ht. The e)&iric$# e+o is the stre$) ofconscio'sness. The &'re e+o is the 'nity 7hich ho#"s the )$nifo#" of the stre$)to+ether. This undifferentiated unity is the essence of the introertie mystical experience% 1/

The "istinction (et7een the t7o is th$t in n$t're )ysticis)! (oth the i"entities of the

e6&erient $n" the o(;ect $re )$int$ine" "'rin+ $n $7$reness of $n essenti$# 'nity! 7hi#e in theintrovertive e6&erience! the i"entity of the e6&erient $n" the o(;ects the :)$nifo#": is

o(#iter$te". This "istinction is i)&ort$nt in &hi#oso&hic$# "isc'ssions of )ysticis)! for one of

the centr$# &ro(#e)s is to 'n"erst$n" ho7! if the i"entity of the e6&erient "oes not e6ist! the

)ystic is $(#e to h$ve $ny reco##ection or for) $ny conce&ts of the e6&erience! since conce&t

for)$tion re*'ires $n e6&eriencin+ s'(;ect.1=

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%ystic$# e6&erience is &$rt of $ #$r+er co)e6 of e6&eriences so)eti)es referre" to $s

religious ecstasy! or $s $n altered state of consciousness. This st$te of conscio'sness is $#so c$##e"

flow experience! $n" is ch$r$cterize" $s fo##o7s

/. A n$rro7in+ of the foc's of conscio'sness on $ c#e$r#y "e#i)ite" sti)'#'s fie#"8

=. E6c#'sion fro) one9s $7$reness of irre#ev$nt i))e"i$te sti)'#i! )e)ories of &$stevents! $n" conte)$tion of the f't're8 hence $ foc'sin+ on the 'nfo#"in+ &resent8

1. %er+in+ of $ction $n" $7$reness! $#so "escri(e" $s $(sence of "o'(t $n" critic$#ref#ection $(o't one9s c'rrent $ctivity8

?. A7$reness of c#e$r +o$#s $n" 'n$)(i+'o's fee"($c! so th$t one no7s one9sst$n"in+ 7ith reference to the +o$#s8

@. L$c of concern re+$r"in+ one9s $(i#ity to contro# the sit'$tion8

>. Loss of se#f5conscio'sness! 7hich in t'rn )$y #e$" to $ sense of tr$nscen"ence of e+o(o'n"$ries $n" of 'nion 7ith $ #$r+er! tr$ns&erson$# syste).11

There $re v$ryin+ "e+rees of )ystic$#! f#o7 $n" ecst$tic e6&eriences! $n" $#so v$ryin+

conte6ts $n" circ')st$nces! ('t $## to one "e+ree or $nother "is$y the ch$r$cteristics note"!

si)i#$r to Otto9s n')ino's e6&eriences. This is tr'e for $cco'nts of (oth introvertive $n"

e6trovertive )ysticis).

For the &resent &'r&ose! ho7ever! it nee" on#y (e est$(#ishe" th$t )ystic$# e6&eriences

$n" ecst$tic e6&eriences in +ener$# $re &ort$# e6&eriences. St$ce offers $ +ener$# )et$&hysic$#

ch$r$cteriz$tion of the )ystic$# e6&erience

There $re t7o or"ers! the n$t'r$# or"er 7hich is the or"er of ti)e! $n" the "ivine or"er!7hich is the or"er of eternity. In the )o)ent of )ystic i##')in$tion the t7o or"ersintersect! so th$t the )o)ent (e#on+s to (oth or"ers. 2ithin th$t sin+#e )o)ent of ti)e$re enc#ose" $## eternity $n" $## infinity. 1?

I h$ve! in $ct'$#ity! ($se" )y notion of &ort$# e6&erience '&on this :intersection theory:

of St$ce9s 55 th$t it is $ si)'#t$neo's int'ition of t7o inco))ens'r$(#e or"ers of (ein+. 1@ 2h$t

St$ce h$s c$##e" :intersection:! I h$ve c$##e" :&ort$#:. I h$ve chosen this ter) r$ther th$n St$ce9s(ec$'se St$ce inten"e" his "isc'ssion to $&y s&ecific$##y to introvertive )ystic$# e6&erience!

7hi#e I inten" $ (ro$"er r$n+e of &heno)en$. So of co'rse! )ystic$# e6&eriences $re &ort$#

e6&eriences8 the introvertive (ec$'se they $re inst$nces of St$ce9s "efinition! $n" the

e6trovertive (ec$'se they $re inst$nces of &$rtici&$tion )ysti*'e! 7hich is $#so! tho'+h )ore

re)ote#y! $n inst$nce of intersection. 2hether the :or"ers: $re ch$r$cterize" $s te)&or$# or

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etern$#! $s finite or infinite! or in so)e other 7$y! or 7hether there $re t7o or )ore th$n t7o

s'ch or"ers! )$es #itt#e "ifference to the &osition. 2h$t )$tters is th$t! $s St$ce h$s

&revio's#y note"! there is the e#e)ent of inco))ens'r$(i#ity (et7een the &$rtici&$nts in the

e6&erience.

Si)i#$r to St$ce! %$rion 2einstein 7rites

2e #ive in t7o 7or#"s The 2or#" of For) $n" the Invisi(#e 2or#". In this c$se! the2or#" of For) is )$nifest $s o'r $net! E$rth. The Invisi(#e 2or#" inc#'"es:every7here: e#se. The 7itch9s )$+ic is "one 7ith the conscio's 'se of ,oth 2or#"s.,'t o'r +o$# is to )ove $n" lie&erfect#y $n" e$si#y (et7een the 2or#"s 55 $#7$ys. 1>

2einstein9s c#$i)! $#on+ 7ith the e6$)es I h$ve +iven! s'++est th$t &ort$# e6&erience!

$n" its conste##$tion &heno)enon! &$rtici&$tion )ysti*'e! e)(o"y $n essenti$# irre"'ci(i#ity 55

they refer to the e6istence of $t #e$st t7o or"ers of (ein+ tot$##y 'n#ie one $nother! 7hich $re!

fro) the te)&or$# &oint of vie7! e6&erience" $t the s$)e ti)e. Un"erst$n"in+ &ort$#

e6&erience in this 7$y $##o7s 's to no7 fr$)e the *'estion of 7hy they h$ve h$" $ &rofo'n"

i)&$ct on the h')$n &syche $n" h')$n history.

It is becauseof this f'n"$)ent$# &$r$"o6 of e6istence th$t the e6&eriences h$ve fi+'re"

so &ro)inent#y in h')$n tho'+ht. If &ort$# e6&eriences $re :intersections: in the 7$y th$t

St$ce h$s "efine" the)! then they $re the si)'#t$neo's e6&erience of t7o inco))ens'r$(#e

)o"es of (ein+. This )e$ns th$t 7h$tever is e6&erience" in one )o"e of (ein+ c$nnot (e

'n"erstoo" in ter)s of the other8 in this c$se! the )o"e of the etern$# c$n never (e e6$ine" or

co)&rehen"e" in te)&or$# voc$('#$ries! or 7ithin the "o)$in of te)&or$# tho'+ht. 2hen the)ystic$# e6&erience is over! the )ystic is #eft 7ith the "irect e6&erience of so)ethin+ sJhe

c$nnot e6$in. 2h$t +ets s$i" $(o't it! $ccor"in+ to St$ce! is $n :inter&ret$tion: ($se" '&on

the ($c+ro'n" $n" e6&erience of the )ystic. I 7i## $""ress this iss'e in )ore "et$i# in $ #$ter

ch$&ter8 for no7 I sh$## $ss')e th$t St$ce9s theory is correct 55 th$t the )ystic$# e6&erience is

not "irect#y conce&t'$#iz$(#e! ('t c$n on#y (e 'n"erstoo" $n" co))'nic$te" vi$

inter&ret$tion.

This )e$ns th$t the )ystic h$s $ &ro(#e) 55 sJhe h$s h$" $n e6&erience th$t h$s (een

&rofo'n" $n" &erh$&s fri+htenin+! ('t c$n (e e6$ine" neither to hi)se#f nor to others

7itho't necess$ri#y f$#sifyin+ 7h$t is s$i" $(o't it. The s$)e is $#so tr'e in the c$se of

&$rtici&$tion in +ener$#. Referrin+ to the o&enin+ e6$)e! f'## 7e## I no7 th$t I "i" not see

the &orch #i+hts of the +o"s! yet it $#so c#e$r#y i)&resse" )e th$t 7$y 55 to "escri(e it $s h$vin+

seen &orch #i+hts is $t once to offer $ ch$r$cteriz$tion of it! $n" to s$y so)ethin+ $(o't it th$t I

no7 is f$#se. Conste##$tion $#7$ys e)(o"ies $n essenti$# tension (et7een the &erce&t'$#

=0


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e6&erience $n" the "ee&er fee#in+ th$t 7h$t 7$s e6&erience" 7$s so)ethin+ (eyon" the

sens$tion.

It is this essenti$# tension th$t $ces &$rtici&$tion $t the center of the h')$n &syche. It

is $ &ro(#e) for the in"ivi"'$#! $n" for the c'#t're $s $ 7ho#e! th$t c$nnot (e )$"e to +o $7$y.

The :other 7or#": confront$tion ch$##en+es the very str'ct're of the &syche itse#f! for it

ch$##en+es the $(i#ity of the in"ivi"'$# to 'n"erst$n" hi)Jher se#f! $n" hisJher re#$tionshi& to

e6&erience $n" the o'tsi"e 7or#". In the co'rse of or"in$ry &erce&t'$# e6&erience! there is $

sense of contin'ity (et7een s'(;ect $n" o(;ect 55 $ fee#in+ of f$)i#i$rity $n" or"er#iness in one9s

re#$tionshi& to the o'tsi"e 7or#". The essenti$# tension of the &ort$# e6&erience 55 th$t it is $t

once :of this 7or#": $n" also:of $nother 7or#": fr$ct'res th$t sense of contin'ity. The &ort$#

e6&erience c$nnot (e re#$tivize" to or"in$ry &erce&t'$# e6&erience! 7itho't "enyin+ its

essenti$# ch$r$cter 55 th$t it isof $nother 7or#". A#on+ si)i#$r #ines! the &ort$# e6&erience

c$nnot (e "is)isse" $s :)ere h$##'cin$tion:! (ec$'se it invoes the s$)e in"s of &erce&t'$#res&onses $s or"in$ry e6&eriences.

There $re three in"s of res&onses to this &ro(#e). The first t7o $)o'nt to "eni$#s of

it. !aterial reductionismis the $tte)&t to )$e the &ro(#e) of t7o or"ers v$nish (y "ec#$rin+

th$t there is on#y one. 2rites Ti)othy Le$ry

Those $s&ects of the &syche"e#ic e6&erience 7hich s'(;ects re&ort to (e ineff$(#e $n"ecst$tic$##y re#i+io's invo#ve $ "irect $7$reness of the &rocesses 7hich &hysicists $n"(ioche)ists $n" ne'ro#o+ists )e$s're. 1


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serves $ &ro&&in+5'& ro#e in the ;'stific$tion of the so#'tion! ('t it is $#7$ys invoe" afterthe

so#'tion $&&e$rs.

One of the )ost i)&ort$nt ch$r$cteristics of conscio'sness is its $ss')&tion of $

:)ent$# s&$ce: in 7hich it f'nctions. 2hi#e there is no $ct'$# #oc$tion in s&$ce of

conscio'sness! it often &osits its #oc$tion $s so)e7here (ehin" the eyes. 2hi#e o't5of5(o"y

e6&eriences occ'r fro) $ &heno)eno#o+ic$##y "ifferent #oc$tion! the i)&ort$nt &oint is th$t

conscio'sness is $#7$ys #oc$#ize".

2hi#e $## of this )$teri$# is &ref$tory in n$t're! it is essenti$# to the est$(#ish)ent of

-$ynes9 t7o )ost critic$# &oints / th$t h')$n #ife not terri(#y "ifferent fro) o'rs! $n" in"ee"

entire h')$n civi#iz$tions! $re &ossi(#e in the $(sence of conscio'sness! $n" = th$t 7h$tever

conscio'sness is! it is "istinct fro)! $n" not e6ic$(#e (y! the ne'ro#o+ic$# &rocesses of the

(r$in.

If )ost of 7h$t 7e 7o'#" thin of $s the :inte##ect'$#: f'nctions of the )in" h$ve #itt#eor nothin+ to "o 7ith conscio'sness! $s -$ynes9 "isc'ssion of 7h$t conscio'sness is not7o'#"

h$ve 's (e#ieve! then 7h$t co'#" conscio'sness (eG Rec$## th$t 7h$t conscio'sness doesis

intros&ect 55 it #oos in '&on the f'nctionin+ of the )in" $n" tries to 'n"erst$n" itse#f. As

s'ch! it is $ sort of )et$5)in" th$t is +ener$te" o't of other )ent$# &rocesses. ,'t 7h$t

&rocessesG

Conscio'sness! $ccor"in+ to -$ynes! is re#$te" to! $n" "eve#o&e" o't of cert$in fe$t'res

of #$n+'$+e 'se 55 s&ecific$##y! conscio'sness is +ener$te" o't of $ rec'rsive )et$&horiz$tion

&rocess. It is $ sort of on5+oin+ story te##in+! ($se" '&on )et$&hor st$ce" '&on )et$&hor!

7hich +ives rise to $ )ent$# :s&$ce: fro) 7hich one vie7s one9s se#f. To 'n"erst$n" the se#f!

one )'st 'n"erst$n" the &rocess of )et$&hor.

L$n+'$+e! $ccor"in+ to -$ynes! is :$n or+$n of &erce&tion! not si)y $ )e$ns of

co))'nic$tion.:?> %et$&hor is the )ost i)&ort$nt constit'ent of #$n+'$+e8 it is the )e$ns (y

7hich #$n+'$+e e6&$n"s. %et$&hor is

. . . the 'se of $ ter) for one thin+ to "escri(e $nother (ec$'se of so)e in" of si)i#$rity(et7een the) or (et7een their re#$tions to other thin+s. ?

The "ifference here is th$t -$ynes is co##$&sin+ ti)e into s&$ce. Nonethe#ess! there is $

striin+ si)i#$rity (et7een -$ynes $n" K$nt on this &oint th$t conscio'sness c$n on#y

$ssi)i#$te those thin+s th$t $re &resent in the 7or#" in 7hich (eh$vior t$es $ce. -$ynes! in

$ccor"$nce 7ith the )$teri$#is) of his thesis! inten"s for this to )e$n th$t on#y those thin+s

th$t $re fe$t'res of the &hysic$# 7or#" c$n h$ve $ $ce in tho'+ht. F$ctorin+ this )et$&hysic$#

&osition o't of the "isc'ssion! I thin it c$n (e c#$i)e" th$t on#y those thin+s th$t $re the

s'(;ect of $ction c$n (e the s'(;ect of tho'+ht 55 th$t on#y 7hen so)e (eh$vior on the &$rt of

the in"ivi"'$# t$es $ce or c$n t$e $ce c$n so)e fe$t're of e6&erience (eco)e conscio's.

This (eh$vior5oriente" vie7 of conscio'sness res'#ts in $ theory th$t is striin+#y

si)i#$r to the &heno)eno#o+y of H'sser# $n" #$ter e6istenti$#ists. The :(i&o#$r fie#": of nous

$n" noumena! echoe" thro'+ho't E'ro&e$n $n" $n$#ytic$# &hi#oso&hy $s the s'(;ect5o(;ect

"istinction! 7$s 'n"erstoo" (y S$rtre to )e$n th$t there is never self)consciousness! ('t $#7$ysconscio'sness in re#$tion to $n other. This 7i## h$ve i)&ort$nt i)ic$tions in the "isc'ssion of

)ystic$# e6&erience8 I si)y 7ish to note in &$ssin+ th$t -$ynes9 theory see)s to sit'$te itse#f

7ithin the +ener$# #ine of tho'+ht th$t in or"er for $n $7$reness of so)ethin+ to t$e $ce!

th$t so)ethin+ )'st (e "istinct fro)! or $t #e$st vie7e" $s "istinct fro)! 7h$tever h$s the

$7$reness of it.

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*xcerptionis th$t fe$t're of conscio'sness th$t $cco'nts for the $(i#ity to &$y $ttention

to on#y $ s)$## &$rt of $ thin+ $t one ti)e! never :seein+: the 7ho#e thin+ in its entirety. The

$n$#o+ to (eh$vior is o(vio's if! for e6$)e! yo' $re $se" to thin of $ three5rin+ circ's! yo'

&erh$&s thin of tents! then s&ecific $ni)$#s! &erh$&s one or )ore rin+s! $n" so on! ('t yo'

never thin of the 7ho#e thin+ in its entirety $t once! ;'st $s yo' 7o'#" not &hysic$##y see

everythin+ connecte" 7ith $ circ's $t one ti)e.

In the &revio's "isc'ssion of conce&t for)$tion! it 7$s note" th$t one "oes not re$##y

h$ve $ conce&t of :tree:! ('t r$ther $ series of i)$+es of &$rtic'#$r trees. These i)$+es $re

e6cer&tions of $ct'$# e6&eriences! 7hether those e6&eriences $re &hysic$# cont$cts 7ith trees!

re$"in+ $(o't trees! st'"yin+ the (ioche)istry of $'6ins! or 7h$tever. One co'#" never (e

conscio's of everythin+ one h$s e6&erience" in re#$tion to trees $t one ti)e! ('t r$ther 7o'#"

(e conscio's of $ series of i)$+es e6cer&te" fro) the $ct'$# e6&eriences.

One i)&ort$nt ch$r$cteristic of conscio'sness th$t res'#ts fro) e6cer&tion is th$t $&$rtic'#$r e6cer&tion )$y co)e to f'nction $s the st$n"5in for $ +ener$#iz$tion of $##

e6cer&tions of so)e in" of e6&erience. Consi"er stereoty&y $s $n e6$)e. A &erson

enco'nters sever$# )e)(ers of $ &$rtic'#$r r$ce. This &erson e6cer&ts fro) those e6&eriences

cert$in fe$t'res 7hich co)e to :st$n" for: 7h$t is ch$r$cteristic of $## )e)(ers of th$t r$ce.

%ore $(str$ct#y! one )i+ht! thro'+h $ re&etitive e6cer&tion &rocess! co)e to h$ve $ cert$in

i)$+e of $ tree 7hich then f'nctions $s $ st$n" in for $## trees 55 one )i+ht! ($se" '&on one9s

e6cer&te" i)$+e! thin of $## trees $s h$vin+ #e$ves! $s (e$rin+ fr'it! $s h$vin+ ho#es in their

tr'ns inh$(ite" (y $ni)$#s! $n" so on. Of co'rse! '&on c$ref'# ref#ection! one re$#izes th$t

these thin+s $re not tr'e of $## trees! ('t $s $n $&&ro6i)$tion! s'ch $n e6cer&t serves to infor)

conscio'sness of 7h$t one 7o'#" e6&ect of $ tree in the (eh$vior$# 7or#".

If thin+s $re 'n"erstoo" in ter)s of the e6cer&ts )$"e of the)! then 7h$t is

'n"erstoo" $(o't so)ethin+ "e&en"s '&on 7h$t is e6cer&te" fro) the e6&erience of th$t

thin+. The &rocess of e6cer&tin+ is inf#'ence" (y )$ny f$ctors! es&eci$##y one9s fee#in+ to7$r"

the thin+ (ein+ e6cer&te". There is $ "i$#ectic$# re#$tionshi& (et7een e6cer&tion $n" $ffect!

s'ch th$t thin+s 7hich $re en;oye" $re e6cer&te" in 7$ys "istinct#y "ifferent fro) thin+s th$t

$re not en;oye"! $n" the e6cer&tions one h$s )$"e of so)ethin+ inf#'ence ho7 one 7i## re$ct

to f't're e6&eriences of th$t s$)e thin+! or si)i#$r thin+s. Re+$r"in+ e6cer&tions ofe6&eriences of other &eoe! -$ynes s$ys

Ho7 7e e6cer&t other &eoe #$r+e#y "eter)ines the in" of 7or#" 7e fee# 7e $re #ivin+in. T$e for e6$)e one9s re#$tives 7hen one 7$s $ chi#". If 7e e6cer&t the) $s theirf$i#'res! their hi""en conf#icts! their "e#'sions! 7e##! th$t is one thin+. ,'t if 7e e6cer&tthe) $t their h$&&iest! in their i"iosyncr$tic "e#i+hts! it is *'ite $nother 7or#". 2riters$n" $rtists $re "oin+ in $ contro##e" 7$y 7h$t h$&&ens 9in9 conscio'sness )oreh$&h$z$r"#y.@


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-$ynes9 &ri)$ry e6$)e of (ic$)er$#ity is the civi#iz$tion "escri(e" in the &liad. He

conten"s th$t there is no conscio'sness evi"ent in the &liad! $s there $re no 7or"s for )ent$#

$cts. 2or"s s'ch $spsyche! thumos$n" noos! 7hich in $ #$ter $+e (ec$)e $ssoci$te" 7ith

v$rio's f'nctions of the conscio's )in"! stoo" for strict#y &hysic$#! (eh$vior$# thin+s. >= The

&liad$#so cont$ins no conce&t of the 7i##8 inste$"! the ch$r$cters fo##o7 the co))$n"s +iven

the) (y the voices or visions of the +o"s. A## $ctions of the ch$r$cters $re "irecte" (y +o"s8

there is no se#f5ref#ection or tho'+ht on the &$rt of the ch$r$cters $s to 7h$t they sho'#" "o.

S'ch conte)$tion #ies 7ithin the s&here of s'(;ective conscio'sness8 in the c$se of the I#i$"ic

ch$r$cters!

. . . the +o"s t$e the $ce of conscio'sness. The (e+innin+s of $ctions $re not inconscio's $ns! re$sons $n" )otives8 they $re in the $ctions $n" s&eeches of the +o"s.To $nother! $ )$n see)s to (e the c$'se of his o7n (eh$vior. ,'t not to the )$nhi)se#f. >1

-$ynes f'rther c#$i)s th$t the $'thorshi& of the &liaditse#f 7$s not the 7or of conscio's

)in"s. Inste$"! it 7$s "ict$te" (y si)i#$r +o"5voices. Th$t it is 7ritten in &oetic )eter r$ther

th$n in convers$tion$# "i$#o+'e is offere" $s s'&&ort for this c#$i). Accor"in+ to -$ynes! the

f'nction of )eter in $ &oe) is to :"rive the e#ectric$# $ctivity of the (r$in!: >? $n" th's the

&oe) itse#f re&resents $ cre$tive &rocess initi$te" (y +o"5voices $n" s'st$ine" (y the

ne'ro#o+ic$# $ctivity &ro"'ce" (y its sty#e.

2h$t! then! 7ere these voices th$t 7ere the )in"s of the I#i$"ic civi#iz$tionG These

+o"5voices 7ere he$r" $s c#e$r#y (y the I#i$"ics $s voices $re he$r" to"$y (y schizo&hrenics

$n" those 7ith cert$in ne'ro#o+ic$# "ist'r($nces. The :+o"s: 7ere

. . . or+$niz$tions of the centr$# nervo's syste) $n" c$n (e re+$r"e" $s &erson$e in thesense of &oi+n$nt consistencies thro'+h ti)e! $)$#+$)s of &$rent$# or $")onitoryi)$+es.>@

The :+o"s: $re h$##'cin$tions!>>&ro"'ce" (y the nervo's syste)s of those 7ho he$r

their voices

Us'$##y they $re on#y seen $n" he$r" (y the &$rtic'#$r heroes they $re s&e$in+ to.So)eti)es they co)e in )ists or o't of the +r$y se$ or river! or fro) the sy! s'++estin+vis'$# $'r$s &rece"in+ the). ,'t $t other ti)es! they si)y occ'r.>B

-$ynes9 hy&othesis is th$t (efore the e6istence of s'(;ective! ref#ective! intros&ectin+

conscio'sness! the )in" of h')$nin" consiste" of $n :e6ec'tive: +o" $n" $ :fo##o7er:

h')$n. This in" of )ent$#ity is inco)&rehensi(#e to the ref#ectin+ conscio's )in". -$ynes

)et$&horizes the :fo##o7er: $s the $#)ost 'nconscio's $ct of "rivin+ $ c$r 7hi#e thinin+ of

so)ethin+ e#se 55 the conscio's )in" is not invo#ve" 7ith the c$r! the $ct of "rivin+ (ein+

virt'$##y $'to)$tic. The "ifference is th$t if so)ethin+ nove# 7ere to h$&&en! s$y so)ethin+

(#ocin+ the ro$" $he$"! the conscio's )in" 7o'#" *'ic#y intervene in the $'to)$tic &rocess.

Not so for the (ic$)er$# )in"8 there is no conscio'sness to intervene. 2h$t 7o'#" h$&&en in

th$t sit'$tion is $ voice 7o'#" (e he$r"! "irectin+ the "river to t$e so)e $ction.

This voice! the (ic$)er$# :e6ec'tive:! is he$r" $s c#e$r#y $s the voice of the &erson

st$n"in+ ne6t to yo'. There is no "e#i(er$tion on the &$rt of the fo##o7er! there is no "o'(t or

*'estion $(o't the $'thenticity of the voice! there is no 7on"er or $#$r)! no tho'+ht s'ch $s

:2ho is this te##in+ )e to "o thisG:! (ec$'se these $re $## ref#ective fe$t'res of the s'(;ective#y

conscio's )in". There is no notion of the Se#f to t$e offense $t (ein+ or"ere" $(o't! $n" there

is no )in"5s&$ce fro) 7hich to ref#ect '&on the n$t're of the voice.

Is this to s$y th$t the (ic$)er$# )in" is entire#y ro(ot5#ieG Of co'rse not8 in the

(e+innin+ of this ch$&ter! those )ent$# f'nctions note" $s not re*'irin+ conscio'sness $re $##

$v$i#$(#e to the (ic$)er$# )in". The "ifference is th$t 7hi#e s'(;ective#y conscio's h')$nin"

c$n ref#ect '&on the re#$tionshi& of $ctions to the rest of the 7or#"! (ic$)er$# h')$nin" c$n

on#y (e $ &$rtici&$nt in th$t 7or#".

A'"itory h$##'cin$tions $re not 'nco))on even in s'(;ective#y conscio's )in"s. They

so)eti)es occ'r in ti)es of stress! s'ch $s the he$rin+ of $ &$rent9s voice offerin+ co)fort.

S'ch voices )$y $#so (e he$r" in res&onse to :&ersistent &ro(#e)s.: The so#'tion to $ &ro(#e)

)$y $&&e$r in the for) of $ voice or vis'$# i)$+e. St'"ies h$ve sho7n th$t s'ch

h$##'cin$tions $re often #oc$#ize"! $s co)in+ fro) so)e &$rtic'#$r s&ot! $n" $re often voices of

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so)e f$)i#i$r &erson. Another si+nific$nt fe$t're is th$t s'ch h$##'cin$tions often occ'r "'rin+

the $+es in 7hich the onset of schizo&hreni$ is co))on. >0

The iss'es r$ise" (y schizo&hrenic h$##'cin$tions $re i)&ort$nt! (oth in the &resent

"isc'ssion of -$ynes9 theory! $n" in '&co)in+ "isc'ssions of )ystic$# e6&erience. These voices

v$ry in for) $n" content they )$y ($((#e )e$nin+#ess#y! so)eti)es in $ forei+n #$n+'$+e!

they )$y (e of f$)i#i$r &eoe or +o"5#ie entities! they )$y (e s'&&ortive or $nt$+onistic or

(oth! $n" they )$y occ'r in )'#tie $s $ "i$#o+'e.

In )ost c$ses! the voices $re #oc$#ize" 55 they co)e fro) so)e s&ecific #oc$tion.

Interestin+#y! )$ny &$tients $ssoci$te :+oo": voices $s co)in+ fro) the '&&er ri+ht! 7hi#e the

:($": ones co)e fro) the #o7er #eft8 $ si)i#$r $ssoci$tion is )$"e 7ith +o"5voices in so)e

c'#t'res.


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-$ynes &roc#$i)s! :H$##'cin$tions musth$ve so)e inn$te str'ct're in the nervo's

syste) 'n"er#yin+ the).:


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If 7e $re correct in $ss')in+ th$t schizo&hrenic h$##'cin$tions $re si)i#$r to the+'i"$nce of +o"s in $nti*'ity! then there sho'#" (e so)e co))on &hysio#o+ic$#insti+$tion in (oth inst$nces. This! I s'++est! is si)y stress. In nor)$# &eoe! $s 7eh$ve )entione"! the stress thresho#" for re#e$se of h$##'cin$tions is e6tre)e#y hi+h8)ost of 's nee" to (e over o'r he$"s in tro'(#e (efore 7e 7o'#" he$r voices. ,'t in&sychosis5&rone &ersons! the thresho#" is so)e7h$t #o7er . . . This is c$'se"! I thin! (y

the ('i#"'& in the (#oo" of (re$"o7n &ro"'cts of stress5&ro"'ce" $"ren$#in 7hich thein"ivi"'$# is! for +enetic re$sons! 'n$(#e to &$ss thro'+h the i"neys $s f$st $s $ nor)$#&erson.


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It is interestin+ th$t -$ynes o&ts for $ &h$r)$co#o+ic$# c$'se (ehin" the he$rin+ of

voices. He is foc'sin+ '&on the ro#e of c$techo#$)ines s'ch $s $"ren$#in in the etio#o+y of

schizo&hrenic h$##'cin$tions. -$ynes $#so s'&&oses the s$)e etio#o+y for the voices of the +o"s

in (ic$)er$# h')$nin". Since the &resent st'"y 7i## foc's '&on $ "ifferent c#$ss of che)ic$#

s'(st$nces! it is *'ite &ossi(#e th$t 7h$t -$ynes "escri(es is f'n"$)ent$##y "ifferent fro) the

e6&eriences "escri(e" in this st'"y. It is! of co'rse! i)&ossi(#e to "eter)ine the (#oo" #eve#s of

the v$rio's ne'ro#o+ic$##y $ctive s'(st$nces in &ersons #ivin+ sever$# tho's$n" ye$rs $+o. ,'t

&heno)eno#o+ic$##y! $t #e$st! it $&&e$rs th$t 7h$t -$ynes "escri(es is very si)i#$r to the c$ses

of &ort$# e6&erience "escri(e" in this st'"y. %ystic$# visions of re#i+io's fi+'res! $str$#

&ro;ections $n" other vis'$# $n" $'"itory &erce&tions of re$#ities $##e+e"#y "ifferent fro)

sensory e6&erience see) to (e si)i#$r in (oth for) $n" content to 7h$t -$ynes "escri(es.

2hi#e it 7o'#" (e "iffic'#t if not i)&ossi(#e to "eve#o& $ny evi"ence th$t 7o'#" "eci"e the

iss'e! it is 7orth ee&in+ in )in" th$t the in"s of e6&eriences I h$ve c#$ssifie" $s :&ort$#:)i+ht (e "ifferent in etio#o+y th$n 7h$t -$ynes h$s "escri(e" $s :schizo&hrenic:.

Physio#o+ic$##y! the (ic$)er$# )in" is (est 'n"erstoo" $#on+ the #ines of the ri+ht (r$in

5 #eft (r$in )o"e# of cere(r$# he)is&here f'nctionin+ $n" "ifferences. Since the he$rin+ of

voices is of &$r$)o'nt i)&ort$nce in the (ic$)er$# )in"! the "isc'ssion f'rther foc'ses '&on

the "eve#o&)ent $n" f'nction of the s&eech $re$s of the (r$in.

There $re three &ri)$ry s&eech $re$s! $## fo'n" on the #eft he)is&here 2ernice9s $re$!

,roc$9s $re$! $n" the s'&e)ent$ry )otor corte6. Of the three $re$s! 2ernice9s $re$ is the

)ost critic$# for s&eech. These s&eech $re$s $re aptic structures55 f'nction$# $re$s of ce##s $n"

interconnections th$t o&er$te 7itho't the intervention of conscio'sness. No7 $n interestin+

&ro(#e) $rises )ost of the critic$# f'nctions of the (r$in 55 re+'#$tion of (re$thin+! vision! $n"

so on 55 $re re&resente" (i#$ter$##y. The f'nction of $ s&eci$# $re$ of the (r$in on the #eft is

"'ic$te" (y $ corres&on"in+ $re$ on the ri+ht! s'ch th$t "ise$se or "estr'ction of one $re$

7o'#" #e$ve the other int$ct $n" f'nction$#. ,'t not so for the s&eech $re$s8 $t first +#$nce! the

f'nction of the #eft s&eech $re$s is not "'ic$te" on the ri+ht. D$)$+e to #eft s&eech $re$s

&ro"'ces! to v$ryin+ "e+rees!permanent"$)$+e to s&eech f$c'#ties. -$ynes $ss!

The sit'$tion is then one 7here the $re$s on the ri+ht he)is&here th$t corres&on" to the

s&eech $re$s h$ve see)in+#y no e$si#y o(serv$(#e )$;or f'nction. 2hy this re#$tive#y#ess essenti$# &$rt of the (r$inG Co'#" it (e th$t these si#ent 9s&eech9 $re$s on the ri+hthe)is&here h$" so)e f'nction $t $n e$r#ier st$+e in )$n9s history th$t they no7 "o noth$veG


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#$n+'$+e! 7hi#e the corres&on"in+ $re$s on the ri+ht he)is&here serve" the #$n+'$+e of the

+o"s. In the h')$n (r$in! 2ernice9s $re$ is connecte" to the $re$ on the ri+ht he)is&here

$n$to)ic$##y corres&on"in+ to it (y $ tr$ct of fi(ers c$##e" the $nterior co))iss're. It is -$ynes9

contention th$t the voices of the +o"s 7ere or+$nize" in the ri+ht :2ernice9s $re$: $n" then

tr$ns)itte" vi$ the $nterior co))iss'res to the #eft 2ernice9s $re$! 7here they 7ere he$r" $s

s&eech. -$ynes offers five sets of o(serv$tions in s'&&ort of this c#$i).9s. These st'"ies 7ere c$rrie" o't on

e&i#e&tic &$tients &rior to the re)ov$# of "$)$+e" (r$in tiss'e8 the "$)$+e" $re$s 7ere not

$ssoci$te" 7ith the s&eech $re$s in $ny of the e6&eri)ent$# s'(;ects. The e6&eri)ents

consiste" of e#ectric$# sti)'#$tion of the ri+ht :2ernice9s $re$:.

The res'#ts $re f$scin$tin+. %$ny &$tients re&orte" the he$rin+ of voices! $#(eit :h$zy:

voices! $n" $ fee#in+ of :#osin+ to'ch 7ith re$#ity.: Often the voices co'#" (e he$r" ('t not

'n"erstoo"8 in so)e c$ses the voices c$'se" the &$tient to (e re)in"e" of so)eone! or to h$ve

$ severe e)otion$# re$ction. The voices 7ere often 'n"erstoo"! tho'+h not c#e$r#y he$r"! $s

$")onitions or recri)in$tions $+$inst the &$tient! often in the &erson of $ &$rent. In )$ny

c$ses! tho'+h! the voices 7ere c#e$r! $n" #oc$#ize". So)e &$tients he$r" )'sic inste$" of

voices! $n" others $#so e6&erience" vis'$# effects. ,'t in $## c$ses! the so'n"s 7ere $ct'$##y

he$r"! $s c#e$r#y $s they 7o'#" h$ve (een if s&oen.-$ynes notes th$t $ si+nific$nt ch$r$cteristic of these e6&eriences is their otherness8 th$t

they $## invo#ve" $ fee#in+ of (ein+ $cte" '&on (y so)eone or so)ethin+ o'tsi"e the &$tient.

Penfie#" $n" his co##$(or$tors conc#'"e" th$t these e6&eriences 7ere f#$sh5($cs to for+otten

&$st e6&eriences! $n" th$t the f$i#'re to reco+nize the s&e$er in )ost c$ses 7$s "'e to

for+etf'#ness on the &$rt of the &$tient. -$ynes c#$i)s other7ise

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,'t f$r )ore re&resent$tive of the "$t$ $s $ 7ho#e is the &$tient9s &ersistence 'n"er*'estionin+ th$t these e6&eriences co'#" not (e c$##e" )e)ories . . . (ec$'se of this! $n"(ec$'se of the +ener$# $(sence of &erson$# $ctive i)$+es! 7hich $re the 's'$# in" of)e)ories th$t 7e h$ve! I s'++est th$t the conc#'sions of Penfie#" $n" Perot $reincorrect . . . R$ther the "$t$ #e$" $7$y fro) this! to h$##'cin$tions th$t "isti##&$rtic'#$r#y $")onition e6&eriences! $n" &erh$&s (eco)e e)(o"ie" or r$tion$#ize" into

$ct'$# e6&eriences in those &$tients 7ho re&orte" the) on (ein+ *'estione".


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This is in"ee" the c$se. If! for e6$)e! $ test is "evise" 7here "ifferent o(;ects $re

vie7e" in the ri+ht $n" #eft vis'$# fie#"s! the ri+ht h$n" c$n &oint to the correct 7or" for the

o(;ect seen on the ri+ht! 7hi#e the #eft h$n" c$n &oint to the correct 7or" for $ "ifferent o(;ect

seen on the #eft. The s'(;ective#y conscio's :se#f:! (ein+ #in+'istic$##y ($se" $n" therefore

:#oc$te": in the #eft he)is&here! sees one thin+8 the ri+ht he)is&here! 7hi#e not #in+'istic$##y

$rtic'#$te! sees $n" res&on"s to $nother thin+. The (r$in! $t #e$st in sit (r$in &$tients!

f'nctions $s tho'+h there $re! :T7o &ersons in one he$".:

F'rther! if *'estione" $(o't his $ctions in the $(ove e6&eri)ent! the &$tient c$n e6$in

7h$t his ri+ht h$n" "i"! $n" 7h$t he s$7 th$t )$"e hi) or her "o it. ,'t he is 'n$(#e to

e6$in the $ctions of his #eft h$n". There is no $7$reness of 7h$t the ri+ht he)is&here is

"oin+! or 7hy. The ri+ht he)is&here is $#so c$&$(#e of e)otion$# res&onses 7hich +o

'n"etecte" (y the #eft. If! for e6$)e! "'rin+ $ series of &ict'res in the $(ove e6&eri)ent $

&ict're th$t 7o'#" nor)$##y e#icit $n e)otion$# res&onse $ n'"e )o"e#! for e6$)e isf#$she" to the ri+ht he)is&here! the &$tient 7i## sho7 &hysio#o+ic$# res&onses s'ch $s

(#'shin+! ('t the #eft he)is&here h$s no $7$reness of 7h$t &reci&it$te" the res&onse. It

$&&e$rs th$t the ri+ht he)is&here is the nor)$# tri++erin+ entity for e)otion$# res&onses. In

test sit'$tions! if the ri+ht he)is&here is t$'+ht the correct $ns7er! $n" then :he$rs: the #eft

)$e $ )ist$e! it 7i## res&on" 7ith (eh$vior s'++estin+ "is$&&rov$#

It is not si)y $ 7$y of s&e$in+ to s$y th$t the ri+ht he)is&here is $nnoye" $t theerroneo's voc$# res&onses of the other. An" so &erh$&s the $nnoy$nce of P$##$s Athene7hen she +r$s&e" Achi##es (y his ye##o7 h$ir $n" t7iste" hi) $7$y fro) )'r"erin+ his

in+. Or the $nnoy$nce of Y$h7eh 7ith the ini*'ities of his &eoe.B/

T7o &oints in connection 7ith -$ynes9 +ener$# theory $rise here. First! -$ynes h$s

c#$i)e" th$t nothin+ is c$&$(#e of (eco)in+ conscio's th$t is not (eh$vior$#. If conscio'sness

$)o'nts to $ &rocess $n$#o+o's to s&eech! then it )$es sense th$t on#y the #eft he)is&here

s'&&orts #in+'istic$##y ($se" conscio's $7$reness! since on#y the #eft he)is&here is c$&$(#e of

s&eech. On the other h$n"! if conscio'sness is $ )in"5s&$ce ('i#t '& o't of $ rec'rsive

)et$&horiz$tion &rocess! then it ;'st )i+ht (e the c$se th$t 7hi#e the ri+ht he)is&here is not

$(#e to e6&ress itse#f #in+'istic$##y! it )$y sti## s'&&ort so)e in" of conscio'sness. The

e6&eri)ent$# evi"ence s'&&orts the conc#'sion th$t the ri+ht he)is&here h$s (eh$vior$#

c$&$cities. Si)y (ec$'se it "oes not +ener$te s&eech "oes not )e$n th$t it "oes not +ener$te

(eh$vior! $n" it $#so "oes not )e$n th$t it is inc$&$(#e of )et$&horiz$tion. Therefore! there

)$y in"ee" (e $ s&ecies of )in" resi"ent in the ri+ht he)is&here.

Secon"! these o(serv$tions $re $## c$rrie" o't in co))iss'roto)ize" &$tients! $n" it

"oes not $&&e$r th$t co))iss'roto)ies 7ere ro'tine#y &erfor)e" in (ic$)er$# h')$nin".

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-$ynes 7i## #$ter c#$i) th$t (ec$'se of the (r$in9s $sticity! the (r$in of (ic$)er$# h')$nin"

co'#" h$ve (een or+$nize" "ifferent#y! s'ch th$t the t7o he)is&heres h$" $ +re$ter

in"e&en"ence th$n in conte)&or$ry h')$nin".

? The "ifferences in co+nitive f'nction (et7een ri+ht $n" #eft he)is&heres echo the

"ifferences (et7een +o" $n" h')$nin". The evi"ence s'++ests th$t the :)$n: si"e 7$s the

#in+'istic$##y $rtic'#$te #eft! 7hi#e the :+o": si"e 7$s the s&eech#ess ri+ht! $n" there $re vesti+es

of s'ch "ifferences in the f'nctionin+ of the (r$in in conte)&or$ry h')$nin". Re+$r"in+ the

f'nction of the :+o":! -$ynes st$tes

The f'nction of the +o"s 7$s chief#y the +'i"in+ $n" $nnin+ of $ction in nove#sit'$tions. The +o"s size '& &ro(#e)s $n" or+$nize $ction $ccor"in+ to $n on+oin+&$ttern or &'r&ose! res'#tin+ in intric$te (ic$)er$# civi#iz$tions! fittin+ $## the "is&$r$te&$rts to+ether! $ntin+ ti)es! h$rvest ti)es . . . $## the v$st &'ttin+ to+ether of thin+s in$ +r$n" "esi+n! $n" the +ivin+ of the "irections to the ne'ro#o+ic$# )$n in his ver($#

$n$#ytic$# s$nct'$ry in the #eft he)is&here.B=

If this is the c$se! then 7e 7o'#" e6&ect to fin" vesti+es of th$t or+$niz$tion$# f'nction

in conte)&or$ry h')$nin". The c#inic$# $n" e6&eri)ent$# evi"ence s'&&orts the c#$i) th$t

the ri+ht he)is&here f'nctions in &$ttern reco+nition. P$tients 7ho h$ve in;'ries or s'r+ic$#

"$)$+e to the ri+ht he)is&here $re 'n$(#e to so#ve )$ze &'zz#es! 7hi#e those 7ith si)i#$r

"$)$+e to the #eft "o not sho7 i)&$ire" )$ze si##s.

The Koh9s ,#oc Test is often 'se" to "i$+nose ri+ht he)is&here "$)$+e. It consists of

)$tchin+ '& $ set of (#ocs 7ith $ set of +eo)etric$# "r$7in+s. D$)$+e to the ri+ht

he)is&here ren"ers this test i)&ossi(#e. F'rther! in Co))iss'roto)y &$tients! the #eft h$n"

c$n nor)$##y "o the test! 7hi#e the ri+ht h$n" c$nnot. Re+$r"in+ these res'#ts! -$ynes s$ys

The inference h$s th's (een "r$7n fro) these $n" other st'"ies th$t the ri+hthe)is&here is )ore invo#ve" in synthetic $n" s&$ti$#5constr'ctive t$ss 7hi#e the #efthe)is&here is )ore $n$#ytic$# $n" ver($#. The ri+ht he)is&here! &erh$&s #ie the +o"s!sees &$rts $s h$vin+ )e$nin+ on#y 7ithin $ conte6t8 it #oos $t 7ho#es. 2hi#e the #eft or"o)in$nt he)is&here! #ie the )$n si"e of the (ic$)er$# )in"! #oos $t &$rtsthe)se#ves.B1

Si)i#$r res'#ts h$ve (een fo'n" in e#ectroence&h$#o+r$&hic st'"ies in nor)$# s'(;ects7hen $se" to &erfor) &$ttern5reco+nition tests! the e#ectric$# $ctivity of the ri+ht he)is&here

incre$ses! 7here$s ver($# $n" $n$#ytic tests res'#t in incre$se" e#ectric$# $ctivity in the #eft

he)is&here.

One s&ecific f'nction critic$# to the s'rviv$# of (ic$)er$# h')$nin" 7$s the $(i#ity to

*'ic#y "eter)ine if $n in"ivi"'$# he enco'ntere" 7$s hosti#e or frien"#y. -$ynes "esi+ne" $n

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e6&eri)ent to test the hy&othesis th$t the ri+ht he)is&here 7$s c$&$(#e of c$rryin+ o't th$t

in" of reco+nition. The e6&eri)ent! in its cr'"est for)! invo#ves $ set of t7o f$ces th$t $re

)irror i)$+es of e$ch other. One si"e of the f$ce sho7s $ h$&&y e6&ression! the other si"e

sho7s $ s$" e6&ression. In the )$;ority of c$ses over B! 7hen $se" 7hich f$ce is h$&&y

or s$"! the res&on"ent chooses the "r$7in+ 7hose #eft si"e i##'str$tes the ch$r$cteristic. These

fin"in+s! $#on+ 7ith )ore so&histic$te" versions of the e6&eri)ent! s'++est th$t it is the ri+ht

he)is&here 7hich reco+nizes hosti#ity or frien"#iness on the &$rt of $ str$n+er. In f$ct! it

$&&e$rs th$t the ri+ht he)is&here is 7here ne$r#y $## f$ci$# reco+nition t$es $ce. As -$ynes

co))ents! :An" to te## frien" fro) non5frien" in nove# sit'$tions 7$s one of the f'nctions of $

+o".:B?

@ C'rrent scientific evi"ence $(o't the n$t're of the (r$in s'++ests $ hi+h "e+ree of

$sticity8 th$t is! the str'ct're of the (r$in is not fir)#y fi6e" +enetic$##y! ('t is s'(;ect to $

+re$t "e$# of )'t$(i#ity. This is re$##y 4er$#" E"e#)$n9s $re$ of e6&ertise! $n" 7i## (ee6$)ine" in )ore "et$i# in the "isc'ssion of his 7or.

-$ynes invoes this evi"ence in or"er to e6$in ho7 it is &ossi(#e over $ re#$tive#y short

&erio" of ti)e! th$t there co'#" h$ve occ'rre" the in" of ch$n+es in the (r$in th$t 7o'#"

$##o7 the tr$nsition fro) $ (ic$)er$# )in" to $ s'(;ective#y conscio's )in". S&ecific$##y! the

&ro(#e) is to 'n"erst$n" 7hy the voices of the +o"s h$ve $## ('t "is$&&e$re". In s'))$ry!

the $sticity $r+')ent is th$t it is not the c$se th$t s&ecific &$rts of the (r$in &erfor)

+enetic$##y "e"ic$te" f'nctions8 r$ther! it is the c$se th$t there is $ #$r+e $)o'nt of re"'n"$ncy

$n" )'t$(i#ity of f'nction. The (r$in9s infor)$tion &rocessin+ sche)es $re )ost#y #e$rne"!

r$ther th$n h$r"57ire".

The &hysio#o+ic$# $"v$nt$+e for this is o(vio's in;'ry to cert$in &$rts of the (r$in

)e$ns th$t to so)e e6tent! other str'ct'res c$n t$e over for the "$)$+e" &$rts. ,'t the

"e+ree of re"'n"$ncy is $stonishin+ in the o&tic tr$ct of the c$t! for e6$)e! 0B of the fi(ers

c$n (e c't $n" the $ni)$# c$n sti## reco+nize o(;ectsM B@ There $re c#inic$# c$ses 7here $ &erson

h$s $&&e$re" nor)$# for hisJher entire #ife! $n" '&on $'to&sy it h$s (een "iscovere" th$t 7h$t

7ere tho'+ht to (e essenti$# str'ct'res in the (r$in $re con+enit$##y $(sent.

-$ynes9 $r+')ent fro) this evi"ence is th$t in"ivi"'$#s 7ho +re7 '& in (ic$)er$#

civi#iz$tions 7ere t$'+ht to (eh$ve in cert$in 7$ys! 7hich inc#'"e" he$rin+ the voices of the+o"s. L$ter civi#iz$tions $ce" &ress'res '&on their )e)(ers not to "o so. These soci$#

&ress'res in t'rn $#tere" the re#$tionshi& (et7een ri+ht $n" #eft he)is&heres! s'ch th$t 7h$t

7$s c#e$r#y he$r" (y (ic$)er$# h')$nin" is $## ('t $(sent in s'(;ective#y conscio's

h')$nin".

The f'nction of the (ic$)er$# )in" 7$s to &rovi"e $ )e$ns of soci$# contro#. O't of

th$t )ech$nis) of contro# evo#ve" the &ossi(i#ity of civi#iz$tion. Civi#iz$tion evo#ve" o't of

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&ri)$te +ro'& (eh$vior! $n" ro"e on the co$t5t$i#s of the evo#'tion of #$n+'$+e o't of &ri)$te

vis'$# $n" $'"itory c$##s. -$ynes h$s "one consi"er$(#e 7or on the evo#'tion of #$n+'$+e!

$n" I "o not $n to s'))$rize th$t 7or here. 2h$t is i)&ort$nt for this st'"y is to

'n"erst$n" ho7 the (ic$)er$# )in" 7ore"! ho7 the ch$n+e fro) (ic$)er$#ity to

conscio'sness occ'rre"! $n" 7h$t the si+nific$nce of th$t ch$n+e 7$s. In the "isc'ssion th$t

fo##o7s! I $) o)ittin+ consi"er$(#e infor)$tion $s to ho7 the &rocess of civi#iz$tion occ'rre"!

$n" I $) o)ittin+ the $rcheo#o+ic$# $n" $nthro&o#o+ic$# evi"ence cite" (y -$ynes for this

hy&othesis.

The $'"itory h$##'cin$tions ch$r$cterize" $s the voices of the +o"s )$y h$ve ori+in$te"

7ith the he$rin+ of co))$n"s fro) $ in+ or #e$"er. R$ther th$n (ein+ #ie t$&e5"e#$ye"

$y($cs! the h$##'cin$tions ref#ecte" not so )'ch 7h$t the #e$"er s$i"! ('t 7h$t 7$s

necess$ry to contin'e the s'rviv$# of the +ro'&8 the #e$"er hi)se#f h$##'cin$te" voices te##in+

hi) or her 7h$t to s$y $n" "o! ($se" '&on the s$)e nee" 55 the s'rviv$# of the +ro'&. 2eh$ve seen th$t the ri+ht he)is&here is res&onsi(#e for the "iscernin+ of &$tterns $n" )e$nin+s8

if th$t is the c$se! then the voices of the +o"s 7ere re$##y instr'ctions fro) the ri+ht he)is&here

$s to ho7 to )$int$in the &$ttern of soci$# #ife. Co))ents -$ynes

I h$ve s'++este" th$t $'"itory h$##'cin$tions )$y h$ve evo#ve" $s $ si"e effect of#$n+'$+e $n" o&er$te" to ee& in"ivi"'$#s &ersistin+ $t the #on+er t$ss of tri($# #ife.S'ch h$##'cin$tions (e+$n in the in"ivi"'$#9s he$rin+ $ co))$n" fro) hi)se#f or fro)his chief. There is th's $ very si)e contin'ity (et7een s'ch $ con"ition $n" the )oreco)e6 $'"itory h$##'cin$tions 7hich I s'++est 7ere the c'es of soci$# contro# inEyn$n $n" 7hich ori+in$te" in the co))$n"s $n" s&eech of the in+.B>

There is $#so $ contin'ity! $n" evi"ence for s'ch contin'ity! fro) h$##'cin$te" voices of

the in+! thro'+h h$##'cin$te" voices of "e$" in+s! thro'+h h$##'cin$te" voices of "eifie"

in+s! to the he$rin+ of h$##'cin$te" voices of "eities. %'ch of this "e&en"s '&on the re#i+io's

tr$"ition of the c'#t're. ,'t it is c#e$r th$t the f'nction of the (ic$)er$# )in" 7$s to )$int$in

the soci$# or"er8 )ore &recise#y! to )$int$in the &$ttern of #ife in 7hich it fo'n" itse#f. Nove#

sit'$tions 7ere &erceive" $n" $n$#yze" (y the ri+ht he)is&here! $n" he$r" $s the voices of

those in $'thority (y the #eft

. . .the +o"s 7ere $t the s$)e ti)e $ )ere si"e effect of #$n+'$+e evo#'tion $n" the )ostre)$r$(#e fe$t're of the evo#'tion of #ife since the "eve#o&)ent of Homo sapienshi)se#f. . . the +o"s 7ere in no sense 9fi+)ents of the i)$+in$tion9 of $nyone. They were)$n9svo#ition. They occ'&ie" his nervo's syste)! &ro($(#y his ri+ht he)is&here! $n" fro)stores of $")onitory $n" &rece&tive e6&erience! tr$ns)'te" this e6&erience into$rtic'#$te" s&eech 7hich then 9to#"9 the )$n 7h$t to "o. B/


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2h$t 7e nee" is $ &$#eonto#o+y of conscio'sness! in 7hich 7e c$n "iscern str$t') (ystr$t') ho7 this )et$&hore" 7or#" 7e c$## s'(;ective conscio'sness 7$s ('i#t '&! $n"'n"er 7h$t &$rtic'#$r soci$# &ress'res.01

There $re t7o c$ve$ts in -$ynes9 "isc'ssion of this )$tter. The "isc'ssion is s&ecific to

the 7$y conscio'sness 7$s +ener$te" in history! $n" this is $ "ifferent )$tter fro) the

+ener$tin+ &rocess &revio's#y "isc'sse". Conscio'sness $rose o't of $ +ener$tin+ &rocess

sit'$te" in re#$tion to the ti)e! $ce $n" c'#t're in 7hich it $&&e$re"8 th$t &rocess is "ifferent

fro) the on+oin+ +ener$tion &rocess &revio's#y "escri(e".

Secon"! $n" of f$r +re$ter concern! is th$t -$ynes9 "isc'ssion $&ies on#y to the Ne$r

E$st. -$ynes! in v$rio's $ces! inti)$tes th$t conscio'sness $rose e6c#'sive#y 7ithin the

c'#t'res of this $re$! $n" s&re$" or 7$s c$rrie" to others. This is &ro($(#y the )ost "$)nin+

fe$t're of -$ynes9 7ho#e thesis! for 7h$t it i)ies is th$t cert$in &eoes $n" c'#t'res! to thee6c#'sion of $## others! 7ere res&onsi(#e for (rin+in+ conscio'sness to the 7or#".

The )ost serio's &ro(#e) this vie7 &resents! other th$n en+en"erin+ 7e##5"eserve"

conte)&t fro) those 7ho $re not of the chosen fe7! is th$t the 7ho#e notion of conscio'sness

"isc'sse" (y -$ynes 55 its fe$t'res! its f'nctions! its ori+ins 55 )$y (e so he$vi#y (i$se" (y this

:cr$"#e of civi#iz$tion: vie7 $s to (e 7orth#ess o'tsi"e of the conte6t of the c'#t'res 'n"er

"isc'ssion. An" since the c'#t'res "isc'sse" (y -$ynes $re not the s'(;ect of the &resent st'"y!

there is the &ossi(i#ity th$t -$ynes9 7ho#e theory )i+ht (e irre#ev$nt. 2hi#e I re;ect the c'#t'r$#

s'&re)$cis) inherent in this in" of vie7! -$ynes nonethe#ess h$s thin+s to s$y th$t $re

re#ev$nt in $ (ro$"er conte6t.

The ($sis of s'(;ective conscio'sness is c#e$r#y the e6istence of the $n$#o+ 9I98 this is the

)ent$# constr'ct fro) 7hich the 7or#" is vie7e". In $ (ic$)er$# c'#t're! everyone is ($sic$##y

the s$)e 55 h$s the s$)e o&inions! the s$)e fee#in+s! the s$)e h$(its! $n" so forth. 2hen one

co)es into cont$ct 7ith those fro) $nother c'#t're! ho7ever! one c$nnot he#& ('t o(serve the

"ifferences. It is the o(serv$tion of these "ifferences th$t +ives rise to the $n$#o+ 9I9 the

reco+nition there is so)ethin+ "ifferent $(o't others! th$t they $re in"ee" "ifferent &ersons!

)$y h$ve #e" to the i"e$ th$t the o(server hi)se#f is $ &erson. This! of co'rse! is the reverse of

the &osition th$t one infers others9 )in"s fro) one9s o7n. If -$ynes is ri+ht! one infers one9so7n Se#f fro) o(servin+ the :Se#fs: of others.

The $(i#ity to n$rr$tize )$y h$ve ori+in$te" in the 7ritin+ $n" te##in+ of e&ics "'rin+

this &erio". Re$"in+ itse#f! -$ynes s'++ests! 7$s! in contr$st to the )ore conte)&or$ry &r$ctice

of 'n"erst$n"in+ 7or"s! $ct'$##y h$##'cin$tin+ fro) c'neifor)! $n" 7$s th's $ ri+ht

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he)is&here f'nction. N$rr$tiz$tion! then! )$y h$ve ori+in$te" $s the recor"in+ of

+o"5co))$n"s fro) the &$st.

-$ynes +oes on to $r+'e th$t the $ct'$# ori+in of the $n$#o+ 9I9 )$y h$ve (een in "eceit8

)ore s&ecific$##y! in tre$chery. In the c$se 7here one9s vi##$+e 7$s overr'n (y so)e h$te"

inv$"er! the $(i#ity to :(e one thin+ on the insi"e $n" $nother thin+ on the o'tsi"e: )i+ht (e

essenti$# to s'rviv$#. This is i)&ossi(#e for (ic$)er$# )in"s! 7ho thin $n" o(ey in one s7ift

se*'ence. The h$r(orin+ of h$tre"! $n" event'$# t$in+ of reven+e re*'ires $ )in"5s&$ce th$t

is "ifferent fro) (eh$vior5s&$ce! $n" th$t )in" s&$ce )i+ht 7e## h$ve (een the $n$#o+ 9I9.

The effects of n$t'r$# se#ection )'st $#so (e consi"ere". In $n $+e 7here r$&i" ch$n+es!

(oth soci$# $n" +eo#o+ic$#! 7ere the r'#e! there is $n o(vio's se#ection &ress're $+$inst those

7hose )in"s c$nnot $"$&t to ne7 sit'$tions. It is &ro($(#e th$t those 7ith strict#y (ic$)er$#

)in"s &erishe" (y the )i##ions "'rin+ this er$. Those 7ith )ore $"$&t$(#e )in"5str'ct'res

s'rvive". F'rther)ore! there $re in"ic$tions of c'#t'r$# &ress'res $+$inst (ic$)er$#ity. -$ynescites (i(#ic$# evi"ence th$t chi#"ren 7ith (ic$)er$# ch$r$cteristics 7ere s#$'+htere"8 $ c#$i)

th$t refers ($c to the c'#t'r$# (i$s &revio's#y note".

-$ynes9 (ic$)er$# )in" theory &rovi"es $n interestin+ $&&ro$ch to the st'"y of the

ori+in of conscio'sness. The (ic$)er$# )in"! ch$r$cteristic of $ncient civi#iz$tions! consiste" of

$ &hysio#o+ic$# inter$ction of ri+ht $n" #eft (r$in he)is&heres s'ch th$t $ctions necess$ry to

&reserve the &$tterns of civi#iz$tion 7ere c$rrie" o't in o(e"ience to co))$n"s &erceive" $s

voices. Decision )$in+ in the (ic$)er$# )in" 7$s not $ ref#ective &rocess! ('t r$ther $n

o(e"ience to the voices of the +o"s. The (ic$)er$# )in"! $s $ (eh$vior contro##in+ )ech$nis)!

7$s historic$##y ren"ere" ineffective (y the c$t$stro&hic "estr'ction of $ncient civi#iz$tions (y

+eo#o+ic$# events $n" inv$"in+ $r)ies! 7hich "estroye" the &$tterns 'se" (y the (ic$)er$#

)in" to "irect (eh$vior. Cont$ct 7ith 'nf$)i#i$r c'#t'res +$ve rise to #in+'istic )et$&hor!

7hich in t'rn )$"e &ossi(#e the cre$tion of $ )ent$# :s&$ce: in 7hich the in"ivi"'$# co'#"

conce&t'$#ize hisJher re#$tionshi& to the o'tsi"e 7or#". This )in" s&$ce is the ($sis for

s'(;ective conscio'sness! $n" the $(i#ity to )$e "ecisions $(o't one9s (eh$vior.

Accor"in+ to -$ynes9 theory! (oth the (ic$)er$# $n" the s'(;ective )in" $re soci$#

constr'cts! (ic$)er$#ity re#yin+ '&on the o(serv$tion of soci$# &$tterns $n" s'(;ectivity (ein+

('i#t o't of #in+'istic )et$&hor. A""ition$##y! s'(;ective conscio'sness is ($se" '&on(eh$vior! for it )o"e#s the in"ivi"'$#9s (eh$vior in the 7or#"! +ener$tin+ $ )ent$# i)$+e of the

se#f $s it re#$tes! (eh$vior$##y! to other thin+s in the 7or#". 2hi#e this )$y (e $ r$ther n$rro7

vie7 of the n$t're of conscio'sness! the technic$# $s&ects of the theory 7i## (e i)&ort$nt in

est$(#ishin+ the re#$tionshi& of conscio'sness to &ort$# e6&erience.

ii. The Theory of Ne'ron$# 4ro'& Se#ection.

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Ne'roscientist 4er$#" E"e#)$n9s theory of the ori+in of conscio'sness! the Theory of

Neuronal Group SelectionTN4S! is inten"e" to :&'t the )in" ($c into n$t're.:0? Accor"in+ to

2hitehe$"! the co)(ine" effect of 4$#i#eo9s fo'n"in+ of )$the)$tic$# &hysics! 7hich )e$nt

the 7or#" 7$s to (e "escri(e" in $(str$ct ter)s! $n" Desc$rtes9 s'(st$nce "'$#is)! &ositin+

th$t the )in" 7$s so)ethingse&$r$te fro) the &hysic$# (o"y! 7$s to re)ove the )in" fro)

n$t're. The 'n"erst$n"in+ of the )in" 7$s to (e so)ethin+ se&$r$te fro) $ scientific

'n"erst$n"in+ of n$t're. E"e#)$n9s &ro;ect is to 'n"o this se&$r$tion 55 to &rovi"e $

co)ete#y n$t'r$#istic 'n"erst$n"in+ of 7h$t the )in" is.

As one )i+ht s's&ect fro) the $(ove! the theory is $ )$teri$#istic theory. ,'t there is

)ore to E"e#)$n9s theory th$n $nother contri('tion to the te"io's #it$ny of scientific

)$teri$#is). The TN4S is $ co)&rehensive e6$n$tion of 7h$t -$ynes c$##e" :$sticity:. Lie

-$ynes! E"e#)$n invoes (oth the ne'ro&hysio#o+y of the (r$in $n" the "eve#o&)ent of#$n+'$+e to $cco'nt for the evo#'tion of conscio'sness. ,'t E"e#)$n9s $cco'nt of (r$in

"eve#o&)ent is "et$i#e"! $n" the ro#e of #$n+'$+e in his theory is very "ifferent fro) 7h$t

-$ynes &ro&oses. His "isc'ssion of n$t'r$# se#ection 7i## (e i)&ort$nt in the 'n"erst$n"in+ of

ho7 &ort$# e6&eriences! 7hich $re in"ivi"'$# )$tters! c$n re#$te to the "eve#o&)ent of

conscio'sness in $ +ro'&. An"! )ost i)&ort$nt#y! E"e#)$n is $ (itter foe of the i"e$ th$t the

(r$in is so)e in" of co)&'ter.0@

E"e#)$n consi"ers conscio'sness to (e $ &rocess r$ther th$n $ s'(st$nce 55 it is

so)ethin+ the (r$in does(y virt'e of the 7$y it is str'ct're"! ('t conscio'sness is not the

str'ct're itse#f. This is $n i)&ort$nt &oint in E"e#)$n9s theory! (ec$'se it 7i## $##o7 E"e#)$n

to $r+'e for $n in"e&en"ence of conscio'sness fro) the (io#o+ic$# &rocesses of the (r$in.

Conscio'sness arises out of the (r$in! ('t conscio'sness is not i"entic$# 7ith the (io#o+ic$#

)$tter of the (r$in. 2hi#e the (io#o+ic$# )$tter of the (r$in is $rr$n+e" in s'ch $ 7$y $s to

$##o7 for the e)er+ence of conscio'sness! th$t (io#o+ic$# )$tter is not conscio'sness itse#f.

This +ener$# &oint is very i)&ort$nt to the theory of conscio'sness &resente" in this st'"y! $s I

7i## $#so (e $r+'in+ th$t 7hi#e conscio'sness re*'ires the (io#o+ic$# (r$in! it $#so e6hi(its $n

in"e&en"ence fro) the (r$in! $n" re*'ires other thin+s (esi"es the (r$in.

The (r$in! $ccor"in+ to E"e#)$n9s theory! is or+$nize" into str'ct'res th$t $n$#yzeinfor)$tion fro) the senses. These intern$# :)$&&in+s: "eve#o& $ccor"in+ to &hysic$# $n"

che)ic$# &rocesses th$t &rec#'"e $ny &ossi(i#ity of the (r$in (ein+ :7ire": in $ny s&ecific 7$y.

Inste$"! the e)(ryo#o+ic$# "eve#o&)ent of the (r$in &rocee"s in s'ch $ 7$y $s to )$e

&ossi(#e the e)er+ence of si+n$#in+ &rocesses th$t f'nction in"e&en"ent#y of the $n$to)ic$#

connections in the (r$in! once $ cert$in #eve# of str'ct'r$# co)e6ity is re$che". This is the

si)est #eve# of conscio'sness! 7hich $##o7s for the inte+r$tion of sensory infor)$tion into $

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)ent$# re&resent$tion of on+oin+ $ctivities. To conce&t'$#ize the &$st $n" the f't're!

str'ct'r$# ch$n+es in the (r$in th$t $cco))o"$te #$n+'$+e 'se $re re*'ire".

As $ st$rtin+ &oint for the "isc'ssion! E"e#)$n cites three :co))on sense: notions

/. Thin+s "o not h$ve )in"s.=. Nor)$# h')$ns h$ve )in"s8 so)e $ni)$#s $ct $s if they "o.1. ,ein+s 7ith )in"s c$n refer to other (ein+s or thin+s8 thin+s 7itho't )in"s "o notrefer to (ein+s or other thin+s.0>

The #$st ite) on the #ist is 7h$t ,rent$no c$##e" intentionality. It si+n$#s th$t for

E"e#)$n! ;'st $s 7ith -$ynes! conscio'sness is $#7$ys consciousness ofso)ethin+8 th$t

conscio'sness $#7$ys e6ists in $ s'(;ect5o(;ect re#$tion. This 7i## (eco)e $ )$;or &ro(#e) in

the "isc'ssion of )ystic$# e6&erience8 for no7! 7hi#e -$ynes foc'se" '&on intros&ection $s the

"efinin+ ch$r$cteristic of conscio'sness! E"e#)$n h$s chosen intention$#ity.

F'rther! E"e#)$n cites 2i##i$) -$)es9 i"e$ th$t )in" is $ &rocess! $n" not :st'ff:!

)e$nin+ th$t the )in" is so)ethin+ th$t )$tter does! $n" not is. It is $ &rocess th$t $rises fro)

the (io#o+ic$# )$tter of the (r$in. This )e$ns th$t one c$nnot "escri(e the )in" 7itho't

consi"erin+ the (io#o+ic$# "escri&tion of the (r$in. Interestin+#y! E"e#)$n cites 7h$t he

consi"ers to (e three :c$te+ory )ist$es: in the "isc'ssion of the )in"! 7hich he &ro&oses to

re)e"y

The first is the &ro&os$# th$t the so#'tion to the &ro(#e)s of conscio'sness 7i## co)efro) the reso#'tion of so)e "i#e))$s in &hysics. The secon" is the s'++estion th$t

co)&'t$tion $n" $rtifici$# inte##i+ence 7i## yie#" the $ns7ers. Thir"! $n" )oste+re+io's! is the notion th$t the 7ho#e enter&rise c$n &rocee" (y st'"yin+ (eh$vior!)ent$# &erfor)$nce $n" co)&etence! $n" #$n+'$+e . . . 7itho't first 'n"erst$n"in+ t

Event Horizons of the Psyche

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