| Integrated Theory of Intelligence |
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| Supraconsciousness Network |
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Topic 5 Gerald L. Schroeder asks the question, “Is there a universal consciousness, an entanglement that at some subtle level ties all existence together?” He answers his own question in the book’s preface by stating, “A single consciousness, an all-encompassing wisdom pervades the universe.”1 He also poses the questions, could the consciousness we perceive as the mind be as fundamental as the phenomena of gravity generated by mass or the electrical charge generated by the photon?2 “Is the mind totally the neurological workings of the brain or is there a mind/brain interface where the physical mingles with the non physical? That would make the brain an instrument, a sort of antenna that taps into the consciousness of the universe.”3 This is the same point of view stated in the Integrated Theory of Intelligence. The brain is seen to be analogous to a very sophisticated sender-receiver antenna that accesses information (memory) stored in space holographically. He then asks the question, “Might consciousness also be an intrinsic all-present part of nature, of the universe” In that case every particle would have some aspect of consciousness within. The more complex the entity, the greater would be its awareness of the consciousness housed within.”4 Every particle, every body appears to be an expression of information that our mind-brains interpret as the physical world.5 Freeman Dyson (physicist) stated that “Atoms are weird stuff, behaving like active agents rather than inert substances. They make unpredictable choices between alternative possibilities according to the laws of quantum mechanics. It appears that mind as manifested by the capacity to make choices, is to some extent inherent in every atom.”6 Quantum physics has moved us to a more uncanny realization: that at some level this commonality extends to what can be described as an instantaneous mutual awareness among all particles, regardless of the distance of separation. What occurs on one side of the universe appears to affect events on the other side as well as all points in between. If there is a universal consciousness, this could explain the interconnectedness of particles even when separated by large distances.7 Marshal McLuhan wrote: “We’re not sure who discovered water, but we’re pretty sure it wasn’t the fish.” We are swimming in a stream of consciousness and accept it without even noticing it.8 “Everything, everything with no exception, is a manifestation of an eternal unity, a transcending ubiquitous consciousness, which many label as God.”9 “Science may be approaching the realization that the entire universe is an expression of information, wisdom, and idea, just as atoms are tangible expressions of something as ethereal as energy.”10 “Within the brain we perceive the consciousness of the mind, and via the mind we can touch a consciousness that pervades the universe. At those treasured moments our individual self dissolves into an eternal unity within which our universe is embedded. That is the message both of physics and of metaphysics.”11 The discovery of nonlocality, of action at a distance, has revealed the linkage of disparate parts of the universe. The infinitely extended wave characteristics of all matter-energy give a physical basis to the metaphysical claim that the entire universe is entangled. All existence is interconnected through the expression of information. Our mind is the emergent link that can at times tap into this unity such as can occur with Peak Experience.12 Paul Davies also indicates that science suggests that the existence of conscious organisms is a fundamental feature of the universe.13 He also believes we must keep an open mind about the value of Mystical Experience in the acquisition of scientific knowledge.14 One of the hypothesis of the Integrated Theory of Intelligence is that Mystical or Peak Experience can yield new scientific knowledge following experimental validation of new higher thought forms. Michael Talbot in his book “Beyond the Quantum” presents information that correlates with the Integrated Theory of Intelligence. He describes a universe that should be viewed as a stupendous multidimensional hologram.15 He believes that every particle of matter interconnects with every other particle and that the brain itself must also be viewed as infinitely interconnected with the rest of the universe.16 Talbot gives support to the continued evolution of intelligence and states that it has been determined that I.Q. levels have risen an average of 0.36 points per year since 1947.17 He quotes Edward Fredkin stating that an electron is merely a pattern of information within the background of space and that an electron in motion is simply that pattern of space in motion.18 All other subatomic particles would also represent different patterns of information in microwarped space. Talbot indicates that there is evidence being offered from a number of different directions that information, not matter or energy, is the ultimate fabric of the universe.19 The cosmic holographic backdrop of information is the system that self organizing entities can tap into when they are overwhelmed at critical bifurcation points. The information distribution within the universe may not be just a level of infinite interconnectedness but a reservoir of contingency plans and designs.20 Talbot also indicates that intelligence extends all the way down to the quantum level of matter.21 He gives examples of memories in plants.22 He also quotes physicist Freeman Dyson, and others who have concluded that subatomic particles are, in their own vestigial way, conscious.23 One measure of consciousness of any one specific entity is that entity’s ability to tune into the cosmic backdrop of information.24 Talbot suggests that there may be an overall gestalt of consciousness as indicated in the Integrated Theory of Intelligence, or Supermind, existing since creation, encompassing all the fundamental fields of nature and directing the laws of physics.25 Paul Davies also suggests that there is a universal mind pervading the cosmos and operating the laws of nature to achieve some specific purpose.26 Fred Hogle also indicated that there is evidence that the universe is governed by some sort of interlocking hierarchy of intelligences.27 Topic 5 Bibliography
Gerald Schroeder trained in both physics and biology earned his Ph.D. at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (M.I.T.). He has written multiple books and articles and is currently at the Weizmann Institute, Hebrew University in Israel. Paul Davies is a professor of Mathematical Physics and Natural Philosophy at the University of Adelaide in Australia. . . |