Conscience and Consciousness

Special Issue of ‘Journal of Consciousness Studies’ on ‘Galileo’s Error’

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by

Philip Goff
in

I’m delighted to announce that there will be a special issue of the Journal of Consciousness Studies on my book Galileo’s Error: Foundations for a New Science of Consciousness, which will be edited by Alex Moran (Oxford University) and myself. The issue will feature short papers (4-6,000 words) on the themes of the book, contributed by leading physicists, neuroscientists, theologians and philosophers, as well as a response piece by me commenting on each of the papers. Publication will probably be in October 2021. Current contributors are:

Carlo Rovelli, Centre de Physique Théorique de Luminy of Aix-Marseille University

Lee Smolin, Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics

Christof Koch, Allen Institute

Joanna Leidenhag, St. Andrews

Sara Lane Ritchie, University of Edinburgh

Annika Harris, New York Times bestselling author of CONSCIOUS: A Brief Guide to the Fundamental Mystery of the Mind

Chris Fields, Independent researcher

Alyssa Ney, University of California

Michelle Lui, University of Hertfordshire

Alex Moran, University of Oxford

We have a few other scientists and philosophers tentatively on board time allowing, who I’ll hopefully confirm in due course. Very excited about what looks like it’s going to be a really great, interdisciplinary volume on consciousness!

Comments

10 responses to “Special Issue of ‘Journal of Consciousness Studies’ on ‘Galileo’s Error’”

  1. Kevin Pryor Avatar
    Kevin Pryor

    Homuncular particles can can serve as homunculus to all sorts of bodies and it is only necessary that the particle feels like it is a certain body, not that the particle changes shape. The particle has a minimalist design of a energy/information reserve and a high speed photonic input/output system regardless of whether it is serving as homunculus for a 4 legged creature, a bird, or us.

    A homuncular particle has a much higher De Broglie frequency by mc2/h than typical particles and quantum mechanics gradually transitions to libertarian free will at higher frequencies and therefore energy.

    The high energy particle also acts like a CPU that converts the electromagnetic homuncular code to qualia and vice versa. It inherited this capability from its universal parent, the conscious universe.

    Reply
  2. Kevin Pryor Avatar
    Kevin Pryor

    The brain would need to send/receive a lot of information to/from the particle homunculus from all parts of the brain all at once — the only way that can be accomplished is by using coded streams of photons using microtubules or other molecules as antennas. The particle can decode these coded streams of photons because it inherited the decoding ability from its universal parent, the conscious universe. The particle can also send out coded streams of photons to the brain for free will voluntary actions and decisions.

    Reply
  3. Fedor Alexander Steeman Avatar
    Fedor Alexander Steeman

    Why don’t you start a blog at medium.com too?

    Reply
    1. Philip Goff Avatar
      Philip Goff

      Thanks for the suggestion. What’s the advantage? I’m not great with tech.

      Reply
      1. Fedor Steeman Avatar
        Fedor Steeman

        The advantage is that it’s a popular joint platform where it’s more easier to promote your posts and connect with others. The other advantage is that it can be an extra source of revenue, if you join their partner program. It’s sort of comparable to YouTube, where content creators can see their work promoted by the algorithm based on popular interest and relevance. With an insular blog on the internet, you’re just at the mercy of the general Google search algorithm. A platform like YouTube or Medium.com has a vested interest in amplifying popular ideas, because that’s what their revenue is based on.

        BTW I loved your book “Galileo’s Error” and it has inspired me to start binge-reading a bunch of philosophy in an attempt to reconcile my understanding of evolutionary biology with my acknowledgement of the reality of conscious experience. Keep at it!

      2. Philip Goff Avatar
        Philip Goff

        Thanks, I think I’ll do that, as soon as I get round to it. And thanks so much for the kind words, great you got something out of the book!

  4. Ryan Clark Avatar
    Ryan Clark

    Can’t wait! Congratulations on your work being the primary focus of an entire issue of a prestigious scientific/philosophical journal.

    If you see this post, I was wondering about the availability of the Journal of Consciousness Studies to a lay audience. I’m worried it will sell out before I can get a copy, and then only be available from third-party sellers at very high prices. I’ve seen some back issues on Amazon going for about $180!

    Do you know if single issues can be pre-ordered? Don’t want to miss this one!

    Reply
  5. Ted Bates Avatar
    Ted Bates

    Hi Mr. Goff and anyone else. While I have a science background I am not a materialist nor am I a pantheist or deist. I agree that the only universe we know anything about is designed and fine-tuned for life. The multiverse was conjured up to explain away the evidence for purpose. At the same time if I was lost in the woods I would not cry out to the universe to find and save me, because as wonderful as the universe may be, it could care less about me but when I look at the creation and it is a wonder, I would prefer to see passed the creation and to its creator. The universe appears to be designed and when one sees design it points to a Designer, a mind. I am a member of a science and faith ministry called Reasons To Believe. It was founded by Dr. Hugh Ross who is an astrophysicist. While if I mention the Bible I can expect to hear closing doors but those closed doors are usually from people who have never looked at the Bible and I have and it is pretty amazing. As I understand it, a transcendent causal agent gave us two books of revelation 1. Scripture God’s Word and 2. Creation God’s World. Usually theologians study God’s Word and scientists study God’s World. If these two books of revelation are true then where their interests overlap they should confirm each other and if they appear to disagree I believe that it is someone’s interpretation of one or both that is faulty and not these revelations themselves. I am a conscious being but I don’t think the universe is conscious but design is evidence for a Designer an intelligence. I have formatted a book titled Science and the Bible: Evidence for the God of the Bible. It has 35 chapters where I do my best to show the Bible’s veracity within the venue of science. I don’t believe in evolution but I see evidence that the universe is about 13.8 billion years old and the Earth is about 4.56 billion years old. I try to connect science and scripture and show how they fit each other when interpreted correctly. I would like to buy Mr. Goff’s book on Galileo’s mistake and I would like to give anyone a free copy of my book. It’s formatted as a book with color images and diagrams and I bind it myself. I will mail you a free copy of my book if requested. My email address is tbates55@aol.com and you can email me. I would need a mailing address and I will mail you my book right away. I believe I know what I am talking about and I only want to share the insight I have on the subject. I was 19 years old when I came to faith in the Lord and now I am about to turn 66. I was a pretty good science student at UC Santa Cruz and in the midst of being very depressed I began experiencing amazing coincidences and I believe in Jesus. But I am a seeker of truth and I have been led to the foot of the cross. The fact that I am still there 46 years later is evidence that I have found the truth or I would have lost that faith in which I stand. I simply offer anyone a copy. That is all I can do. It’s up to you whether you take me up on the offer or not. That’s where my responsibility ends and yours begins.🙂

    Reply
  6. Miller Shealy Avatar
    Miller Shealy

    How can I get this issue?

    Reply
    1. Philip Goff Avatar
      Philip Goff

      It’s an issue of the Journal of Consciousness Studies…I’m not sure whether it is possible to buy…maybe look on their website…I hope it’ll come out as a book in a year or so…

      Reply

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