Collaborative dialogue between Buddhism and science: A contribution to expanding a science of consciousness.

Neuroscience has accepted the study of consciousness but largely restricts itself to neural correlates, which may not yield fundamentally new insights. Expanding the science of consciousness requires appreciating the interdependent co-creation or enfolding of mind and world. Addressing this interdependence is part of the collaborative engagement between Buddhism and science, exploring how complementary worldviews and analytic procedures can further an expanded science of mind. This essay, honoring Jack Pettigrew, describes his connection to that project.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Investigation of consciousness (experience, mind, awareness, subjectivity) has become an accepted endeavor in contemporary neuroscience. However, current work is largely limited to study of neural correlates of consciousness. While this is interesting and important, it may not be sufficient to carry us to a place of truly new insight regarding consciousness. I argue that one element of expanding a science of consciousness is appreciation of the interdependent co-creation or enfolding of mind and world. Addressing this interdependence is an aspect of the collaborative engagement of the traditions of Buddhism and science-a project that is exploring how complementary worldviews and analytic procedures might further the development of an expanded science of mind. In this essay, written for a collection honoring the life and work of Jack Pettigrew, I describe his connection to this project.