On Perception, Consciousness & Altered States of Consciousness

Overview:
What is Perception? What is Consciousness? What are the main theories of both Perception and Consciousness? What consists “Altered States”? What causes Altered States of Consciousness?
The main theories and models studying 1. Perception, 2. Consciousness and 3. Altered States of Consciousness and their pioneers. Summation of these theories and models. Trends in modern research in the fields. Benefits from studying each of them. How a professional in (Prenatal) Psychotherapy or a Health professional can benefit from these studies.

PART 1: Videolectures

Videolecture 1: On Perception

Videolecture 2: On Consciousness

Videolecture 3: On Altered States of Consciousness

A. 1. Notes on Perception

2. The Problem of Perception by Tim Crane (an excellent overview)
(resource from Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy)

3. Timeline of the main theories of perception and their pioneers

4. Apperception

B. 1. Notes on Consciousness

2. Comparing the Major Theories of Consciousness

C. 1. Notes on Altered States of Consciousness

2. Altered States of Consciousness by Arnold Ludwig

A. Watch what scholars and philosophers say about consciousness
1. Antonio Damasio: The Quest to Understand Consciousness

2. Philosopher John Searle speaks on the Shared Condition: Consciousness

3. Peter Russel on the Reality of Consciousness

4. Dan Dennett: The illusion of consciousness

B. The following material will allow you to better understand the concepts of perception and consciousness.
1. A Computational Theory of Human Stereo Vision by D. Marr; T. Poggio

C. Suggested Bibliography
1. LIST OF SUGGESTED BOOKS ON CONSCIOUSNESS
Almeder, R. (1992). Death and Personal Survival: The Evidence For Life After Death. Maryland: Littlefield Adams.
ISBN 0-8226-3016-8.
A very well argued book by a philosopher who thoroughly examines and weighs up the evidence from reincarnation, apparitions, OBEs, possession and communication with the dead. Excellent for those who wish to get to grips with the evidence and arguments.

Baars, B. (1988) A Cognitive Theory of Consciousness, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press ISBN 0 521 42743 6. A cognitive psychological book that synthesises a large body of consciousness research into a “global workspace” model of the mind. Assumes consciousness to be nothing more than a form of information processing. Wellwritten, and integrative, although more fundamental questions surrounding the mind/body problem and the nature and function of phenomenal consciousness are ignored.

Beard, P. (1966). Survival of Death. London: Psychic Press. ISBN 0-85384-035-0.
Another classic work that constitutes the first in a series of books by Paul Beard, who was for many years the President of the College of Psychic Studies. His second one, Living On, is well worth a read as a plausible description of scenarios in the ‘next world’. He looks at evidence from psychical research, hypotheses pointing away from survival and test cases. In the second half he considers difficulties in personal evidence and communication, then issues arising from the medium and trance personality.

Becker, C.B. (1993). Paranormal Experience and Survival of Death. New York: SUNY Press. ISBN 0-7914-1478-0.
A superb overview of the evidence and arguments that considers the wider issues of philosophy of science and proposes a model of resistance to change in the sciences. Highly recommended as a serious starting point.

Berger, A. S. (1990). Aristocracy of the Dead: New Findings in Postmortem Survival. London: McFarland. ISBN 0-89950-259-8.
An interesting analysis of the difficulties of communication. Arthur’s other work analyses the relative evidential strength of a variety of cases indicating survival and is set out in a casebook format with quasi-legal arguments on both sides.

Churchland, Paul M. (1990) Matter and Consciousness. ISBN 0 262 53074 0
And Churchland, Patricia S. (1989)Neurophilosophy: Towards a Unified Science of the Mind and Brain. ISBN 0 262 53085 6 Both Bradford Books, MIT Press: Cambridge, Mass.
These are well-written overviews of the problems of mind and consciousness intended to show that all problems of mind and consciousness will be resolved by neurophysiology. Both are good on the strengths of reductive materialism, but skate over its weaknesses.

Chalmers, D. (1996) The Conscious Mind: In Search of a Fundamental Theory. New York and Oxford: Oxford University Press
Gives a strong case against reductionism, arguing that facts about consciousness are determined by (supervene on) functional relationships within any system without reducing to such
relationships. Defends some implausible claims, for example, it tries to argue that all functioning has associated consciousness, with the consequence that unconscious processes in the brain are also conscious (but only to themselves). Clear, but complex, this book is written mainly for professional philosophers.

Crookall, R. (1975). The Supreme Adventure: Analyses of Psychic Communications. Cambridge: James Clarke. ISBN 0227-67606-8.
Takes a ‘faggot approach’ by carefully comparing the common features of a large number of cases of NDEs and ostensible descriptions of bodily death to build up a picture of a likely scenario surrounding death and survival. While none of the cases is foolproof, together they do constitute a coherent account.

Currie, I. (1978,1993). You Cannot Die. Element Books, Shaftesbury. ISBN 1-85230-615-7.
A wide ranging investigation with an emphasis on case histories suggestive of survival. Does not consider the arguments against in any detail but is a valuable source.

Dennett, D. (1991) Consciousness Explained, Allen Lane: The Penguin Press ISBN 0 713 99037.
This tries hard to argue that phenomenal consciousness does not exist although it seems to – only functions that we find it convenient to describe as “conscious” actually exist in the activities of brain. It attempts to translate all facts about what it is like to experience something into what it is like to do something. Cleverly written, but ultimately convincing only to zombies.

Foster, J. (1991) The Immaterial Self: A Defence of the Cartesian Dualist Conception of Mind. London: Routledge ISBN 0 415 02989 9.
Not often cited as it defends an unfashionable position. Nevertheless, a well-argued case for not dismissing dualism as a tenable theory of consciousness and mind, with an accompanying attack on
reductionist materialism.

Gauld, A. (1983). Mediumship and Survival: A Century of Investigations. London: Paladin. ISBN 0-586-08429-0.
Written for the centenary of the SPR in 1982, this is a thorough overview of all the kinds of research undertaken by the Society. It is a fair-minded assessment that points out the problems with the super-ESP hypothesis while calling for further research before any firmer conclusions can be drawn.

Guttenplan, S (ed) (1994) A Companion to the Philosophy of Mind, Oxford: Blackwell ISBN 0 631 19996 9.
This takes the form of an encyclopaedia covering both topics and major philosophers, with position papers often written by the protagonists themselves. Has a good introductory overview by the editor. A useful resource for those interested in the philosophy of mind.

Hameroff, S., Kaszniak, A and Scott, A (eds) (1998) Towards a Science of Consciousness II: The Second Tucson Discussions and Debates, Cambridge, Mass.: MIT Press ISBN 0 262 08249 7.
Sixty-four chapters selected from around 140 papers and 500 posters presented at a conference on consciousness held at the University of Arizona, Tucson in 1996. With contributions from psychology, philosophy, neuropsychology, artificial intelligence, parapsychology, physics and Eastern philosophy. Some good chapters and overall a nice illustration of the multidisciplinary nature of consciousness studies.

Hart, H. (1959). The Enigma of Survival: The Case For and Against an After Life. London: Rider and Company.
A classic book that was one of my main sources of research when writing my own book – see below. Considers the debate about ESP, survival evidence through mediums, sceptical rejoinders, and the debate about apparitions. The final chapter is a masterly summary of the case for and against, showing that the will to (dis)believe is usually

critical. He sums up what he regards as the weaknesses of the anti-survivalist case in the light of the evidence he
has considered.

James, W (1890) The Principles of Psychology. New York: Dover. (Reprinted 1950)
The source of much modern psychological theorising about consciousness, this early text remains a classic. James’ “radical empiricism” included a study of all the things that one can experience, a description of the stream of consciousness, and links between consciousness memory and attention which, 100 years later, are still major topics of research.

Keen, M., Ellison. A.J. and Fontana, D.G. (1999). The Scole Report. London, SPR. ISBN 0-800677-06-0.
The most important recent evidence for survival of consciousness which has caused considerable controversy within the SPR itself.

Lorimer, D. (1984). Survival? Body, Mind and Death in Light of Psychic Experience. London: Routledge and Kegan Paul. ISBN 0-7102-0003-X.
His first book which is divided into three sections: the first is a history of attitudes to mind, body and death; the second, short chapter, examines ways in which people think about paranormal phenomena and what counts as evidence; the third discusses apparitions, OBEs, NDEs and, more controversially, alleged descriptions of bodily death. The arguments are closely related to the case histories and I conclude that no materialist account of mind can do justice to the evidence.

Monroe, R. A. (1994). Ultimate Journey. New York: Doubleday. ISBN 0-385-47207-2.
The final book in a trilogy by Bob Monroe, who experienced ‘otherworld journeys’ over a period of more than 30 years. It is a fascinating testimony that gives a glimpse into the way in which we may function in another dimension and exhibits some continuity with the insights of Swedenborg in Heaven and Hell.

Myers, F.W.H.. (1992). Human Personality and Its Survival of Bodily Death. Norwich: Pilgrim Books. ISBN 0-946259-39-9. (Originally published 1903).
An early classic in the field by one of the pioneers of the SPR, later published in an abridged edition. Deserves to rank alongside the contemporary work of William James.

Novak, P. (1997). The Division of Consciousness. Hampton Roads. ISBN 1-57174-053-8.
An original work that looks at the tension between two basic modes of survival: eternal life as an extension of this life, and reincarnation. He surmises that the psyche divides at death, with the conscious mind reincarnating and the unconscious judging itself. It is an intriguing hypothesis but not entirely consistent with the evidence.

Rogo, D. S. (1986). Life After Death: The Case For Survival of Bodily Death. Northamptonshire: The Aquarian Press. ISBN 0-85030-504-7.
A good introduction to the field covering the major areas of evidence plus the work of Raudive on ‘tape-recorded spirit voices’ that has been followed by since by Mark Macy and his colleagues; also unusual cases of apparent telephone calls from the dead.

Saltmarsh, H.F. (1938). Evidence for Survival from Cross Correspondences. London: Bell.
Sums up the many communications forming what were called the cross correspondences whereby a group of communicators used different mediums to sent parts of messages, often in Greek and Latin, that were only comprehensible when put together. Designed to prove the survival of collaborative intelligence, this is evidence of the most persuasive nature that would impress all but the most fanatical sceptic.

Searle, J (1992) The Rediscovery of the Mind, Cambridge Mass: MIT Press ISBN 0 262 6914X.
Clear, engaging, and one of the best defences of “emergent physicalism” – the view that consciousness both emerges from neural activity and just is a macroproperty of the brain. It does not cope well with the problem that higher order physical properties of the brain do not resemble the properties of conscious appearances.

Velmans, M (2000) Understanding Consciousness. London: Routledge.
Much praised for its lucidity, balance and engaging style, this book reviews the strengths and weaknesses of all currently dominant theories of consciousness. It also introduces “reflexive monism”, a new, nonreductive analysis of what consciousness is and does that is consistent with both science and common sense. Overall – a novel route to an ancient place.

Vesey (ed.) G.N.A. (1970) Body and mind: Readings in philosophy. London: Allen & Unwin SBN 0 413 0014 9.
A nice selection of some of the most important writings on consciousness and mind over the millennia by both philosophers and scientists. Particularly useful for those interested in tracing the antiquity of many, still current positions.

2. LIST OF SUGGESTED BOOKS ON ALTERED STATES OF CONSCIOUSNESS
Abhayananda, S. (1996). History of Mysticism: The Unchanging Testament. Olympia, Washington: Atma Books. (3rd edn.).
There is a vast literature on mysticism, but this is certainly one of the best surveys of the field, commencing with the ancient Hindu sages of the Vedas, and ending with references to 20th Century mystics

Bailey, L. W. and Yates, J. (1996) (eds.). The Near-Death Experience. A Reader. London: Routledge.
An excellent collection of chapters by some of the leading experts on the subject. Highly readable and informative.

Bucke, R. M. (1969). Cosmic Consciousness. New York: Dutton.
Originally published in 1901, Cosmic Consciousness remains a classic, drawing upon the author’s personal mystical experience which convinced him of the living universe, the immortality of the soul, and the ultimate foundation of love. Bucke goes on to show that the mystical experience is very much the same in all traditions, though it may be interpreted differently.

Currie, I. (1978). You Cannot Die: The Incredible Findings of a Century of Research on Death. Shaftesbury: Element Books. (New Edition revised by C. Currie 1993).
One of the best surveys of the literature which suggests that death may be the ultimate altered state of consciousness.

Fenwick, P. and Fenwick, E. (1997). The Hidden Door: Understanding and Controlling Dreams. London: Headline Books.
Advice on how to develop lucid dreaming, dream telepathy, creative dreaming, and much more besides.

Fontana D. (1992). The Meditator’s Handbook. Shaftesbury: Element Books (now published by Thorsons).
An attempt to survey the various different forms of meditation developed by the major traditions, and to give guidance on how to develop one’s own meditative practice.

Fontana, D. (1996). Teach Yourself to Dream. London: Duncan Baird.
An illustrated guide to developing your dream life and interpreting dream material.

Masters, R. E. L. and Houston, J. (1967). The Varieties of Psychedelic Experience. London: Blond (Turnstone edition 1973).
Recent authoritative studies of psychedelics and altered states are virtually non-existent. This remains something of a classic.

Peterson, R. 1997). Out of Body Experiences: How to Have Them and What to Expect. New York: Hampton Roads.
A comprehensive manual for inducing OBEs and managing the experience. The author draws upon his own OBEs and the extensive literature on the subject. Sensible and non-sensational, the book is one of the best how-to-do-it manuals available.

Tart, C. (1969) (ed.). Altered States of Consciousness. New York: Doubleday.
Still the best introduction to the whole field.

PART 4: Self-Assessment, Reflection Lifeline
Having studied this lesson on Perception, Consciousness and Altered States and based on your personal wisdom what is the most significant problem posed in terms of consciousness and how do YOU answer it?
Ask the question
Justify why it is significant
Answer it

Who am I?
Not the body, because it is decaying;
not the mind, because the brain will decay with the body;
not the personality, nor the emotions, for these also will vanish with death.
Ramana Maharshi