Panpsychism is the theory that consciousness is irreducible and exists fundamentally at the foundations of reality. Panpsychism forms include ‘micropsychism,’ where fundamental particles or fields are in some sense conscious, and ‘Cosmopsychism,’ where the entire universe is in some sense conscious. What are the arguments for and against Panpsychism like the ‘combination problem’?

Materialism is the theory that only the physical is real, such that consciousness must be entirely a product of the brain. Materialism is counting on neuroscience to explain consciousness eventually, though this expectation is challenged because mental states seem so radically distinct from brain states. What are the arguments for and against Materialism (like the…

Idealism is the theory that all reality is consciousness and only consciousness, and that what we perceive to be the physical world is either a manifestation of consciousness or derived from it. Either way, fundamental reality is pure consciousness. What are the arguments for and against Idealism (like the common sense of the physical)?

Idealism is the theory that all reality is consciousness and only consciousness, and that what we perceive to be the physical world is either a manifestation of consciousness or derived from it. Either way, fundamental reality is pure consciousness. What are the arguments for and against Idealism (like the common sense of the physical)?

Given the myriad theories of consciousness on offer, how can they be assessed? What criteria should we use to compare and contrast diverse theories? Evaluating Materialism theories, like seeking neural correlates of consciousness, use the scientific method. But what about theories that are not Materialism?

Dualism is the theory that ultimate reality is composed of two radically different kinds of things, physical things and non-physical things, and that these same two kinds of things, expressed as body/brain and spirit/soul, account for consciousness. What are the arguments for and against Dualism (like the ‘interaction problem’)?

What is the current state of the consciousness studies field? What are the major issues and trends? What kinds of experiments are being conducted? What kinds of arguments are being made?

What is the history of consciousness studies—during the past century and especially over the last 35 or so years? What advances have been made? What challenges remain? What problems seem intractable? What are trends and expectations for the future?

Many people believe that out-of-the-body experiences (OBEs) and near-death experiences (NDEs) are real. We do not assess the evidence and arguments, pro or con. We do explore what OBEs and NDEs would mean, if real, for theories of consciousness.

Altered states of consciousness, such as induced by meditative practices or ingesting hallucinogens, radically alter one’s consciousness. But do these altered states provide veritable evidence about the nature of consciousness?

AI consciousness, its possibility or probability, has burst into public debate, eliciting all kinds of issues from AI ethics and rights to AI going rogue and harming humanity. We explore diverse views; we argue that AI consciousness depends on theories of consciousness.

Life after death is explored in the context of diverse theories of consciousness, from strict Materialism/Physicalism to those of ancient wisdom traditions. We explore the view that the haunting and deeply personal question of life after death relates to theories of consciousness.