A rigorous case for the primacy of mind in nature, from philosophy to neuroscience, psychology and physics. The Idea of the World offers a grounded alternative to the frenzy of unrestrained abstractions and unexamined assumptions in philosophy and science today. This book examines what can be learned about the nature of reality based on conceptual parsimony, straightforward logic and empirical evidence from fields as diverse as physics and neuroscience. It compiles an overarching case for idealism - the notion that reality is essentially mental - from ten original articles the author has previously published in leading academic journals. The case begins with an exposition of the logical fallacies and internal contradictions of the reigning physicalist ontology and its popular alternatives, such as bottom-up panpsychism. It then advances a compelling formulation of idealism that elegantly makes sense of - and reconciles - classical and quantum worlds. The main objections to idealism are systematically refuted and empirical evidence is reviewed that corroborates the formulation presented here. The book closes with an analysis of the hidden psychological motivations behind mainstream physicalism and the implications of idealism for the way we relate to the world.
The crisis of 21st-century religion is upon us. With fewer people remaining committed to traditional religions and most new religious movements in their infancy, where does that leave the vast silent spiritual majority who find the old religions to be obsolete and the new religions to be not yet credible? For everyday people who feel lost between a rejected religion of the past and a still obscure religion of the future, Thinking About Religion in the 21st Century suggests that there is indeed another way to look at religion, fully informed by 21st-century sensibilities, that requires no sacrifice of the intellect or abandonment of moral sensibilities. The old religions can be set aside, and the religions of the future might not yet have evolved into something worthy of full commitment, but there already exists a viable, evolving alternative spiritual perspective, grounded in the elements of everyday, ordinary human experience, already available.
'Essential reading in this day and age.' Bernardo Kastrup, philosopher, author of Why Materialism is Baloney
DisConnected offers a new vision of human nature and a new understanding of human behaviour and social problems. Connection is the most essential human trait - it determines our behaviour and our level of well-being. Cruelty is the result of a sense of disconnection, while goodness stems from connection. Unfortunately, the most disconnected people gravitate to positions of power, which leads to pathocracy, the most common form of government during the 20th century. Disconnected societies are patriarchal, hierarchical and warlike. Connected societies are egalitarian, democratic and peaceful. We can measure both social progress and personal development in terms of how far we move along a continuum of connection. At the most essential level, we are always interconnected. Altruism and spirituality are experiences of our fundamental connection. Regaining awareness of our connection is the only way by which we can live in harmony with ourselves, one another, and the world itself.
'Hiding in Plain Sight is like any of my favourite books: full of mystery and provocation...' Andrew McLuhan, Director of The McLuhan Institute
Hiding in Plain Sight is a captivating exploration of the intricate relationship between language and the concealed order of human existence. Drawing on existentialist philosophy, literature, poetry, etymology and historical analysis, it delves into the hidden significance of everyday words and the powerful impact they have on our understanding of the world and our place within it. Journey into the heart of language to reveal its power in shaping our existence and perception of reality.
Awarded a Scientific and Medical Network Book Prize for 2023 for its significant contribution to the field.
This large-scale international investigation into spontaneous After-Death Communications (ADCs) reveals the circumstances, nature and consequences of these beautiful and consoling experiences. You will discover the powerful beneficial impact of these deeply meaningful contacts, allegedly initiated by the deceased towards their loved ones.
A book for thinkers young and old, Befuddled is a journey back in time to explore the lives, legends and ideas of ancient philosophers. Theories on the origin of the universe, the nature of the mind, and much more are presented alongside bizarre stories of mad emperors and talking skulls. Featuring an array of iconic figures, including Socrates, Pythagoras and the Buddha, Befuddled superbly illustrates how lives devoted to confusion and wonder not only give rise to fascinating ideas about reality, they also brim with wild moments and remarkable tales. Author David Birch invites you to add your own life to the collection. With questions and activities designed to start you on your own extraordinary explorations, Befuddled will help you discover your own powers of thought while you experience for yourself the freaky thrills of befuddlement.
'In Expanding Reality, neuroscientist Mario Beauregard presents the impressive body of scientific evidence that our familiar materialistic model of the world is locked into a sadly outdated 19th-century philosophy. Whether or not you agree with all his conclusions, this courageous book will challenge you to rethink how we see ourselves and our world--and may help usher in a new scientific revolution.' Bruce Greyson, M.D., Carlson Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry & Neurobehavioral Sciences Division of Perceptual Studies, University of Virginia Health System
Reality is much more than the physical world before us. In Expanding Reality, Mario Beauregard examines a variety of phenomena investigated by the most open-minded and visionary scientists. These phenomena provide the evidence that mind, consciousness, and spirit cannot be simply reduced to electrical and chemical activity in the brain.