A Metaphysical Theory Connecting Mind, Matter, and Meaning

A review of Dual-Aspect Monism and the Deep Structure of Meaning

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31156/jaex.24902

Keywords:

monism, mind-matter, quantum mechanics, meaning, Jung

Abstract

Dual-aspect monism proposes that reality consists of a single, undifferentiated, holistic “substance” (monism) that splits into mind and matter (dual aspects). In this view, mind and matter are linked, or intimately correlated, by meaning. These tight correlations do not imply that mind causally affects matter, or vice versa, but rather they point to an acausal relation. Atmanspacher and Rickles propose that this metaphysical theory, based on deep philosophical roots and refined based on ideas from quantum mechanics, provides a satisfying model of reality that does justice to both the mental and physical domains. They describe a line of qualitative research that appears to support their theory, but they inexplicably dismiss a much larger body of quantitative studies that provide far greater support. 

Author Biography

Dean Radin, Institute of Noetic Sciences

Dean Radin BSEE MS PhD Chief Scientist, Institute of Noetic Sciences (noetic.org) Associated Distinguished Professor, California Institute of Integral Studies (ciis.edu) Editor, Explore (www.sciencedirect.com/journal/explore)

References

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Crick, F. (1995). The astonishing hypothesis: The scientific search for the soul.Scribner.

Fodor, J. (1992, July 3). The big idea: Can there be a science of mind? The Times Literary Supplement, 5–7.

Huxley, A. (1945). The perennial philosophy. Harper Colophon Books.

Mermin, D. N. (1985). Is the moon there when nobody looks? Reality and the quantum theory. Physics Today, 38-47.

Ramm, B. J. (2021). Panpsychism and the first-person perspective: The case for panpsychist idealism. Mind and Matter, 19(1), 75–106.

Schmidt, H. (1987). The strange properties of psychokinesis. Journal of Scientific Exploration, 1(2), 103–118.

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Published

2023-04-03

How to Cite

Radin, D. (2023). A Metaphysical Theory Connecting Mind, Matter, and Meaning: A review of Dual-Aspect Monism and the Deep Structure of Meaning. Journal of Anomalous Experience and Cognition, 3(1), 194–203. https://doi.org/10.31156/jaex.24902

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Section

Book reviews