Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2014
Abstract
Ever since the development of quantum mechanics in the first part of the 20th century, a new world view has emerged. Today, the physicalist objective assumption that objects exist independently of acts of observation has been challenged. The repercussions of this radical challenge to our common-sense perception of the world are far-reaching, although not yet generally realized. Here we argue that there is a complementary view to the way science which is being practiced, and that consciousness itself is primary and qualia form the foundation of experience. We outline the arguments of why the new science of qualia will tie objects that are being perceived to the subjective experience, through the units of subjective experience called qualia. If there is a reality that exists outside of perceptions in consciousness, it is indeed inconceivable. The reason is that once one subtracts everything that one can sense, imagine, feel, or think about, there’s nothing left. Since qualia are subjective, they challenge the dominant world view of science as practiced today, which is reductionist, objective, and mathematical. Our view is a natural continuation of the quantum world view. We outline what the steps will have to be in order to fully develop the science of qualia.
Recommended Citation
Chopra, D., Kafatos, M.C. (2014) From Quanta to Qualia: How a Paradigm Shift Turns Into Science. Philosophy Study Vol. 4, Number 4, pp. 287-301.
Peer Reviewed
1
Copyright
David Publishing
Comments
This article was originally published in Philosophy Study, volume 4, issue 4, in 2014.