Science of Consciousness

quantum science nonlocal

Comprehending consciousness is perhaps the most profound mystery currently facing humanity. The realm of science is vast; however, the focus here is on research about consciousness. Modern science began in the 17th century when Galileo, the father of modern science, discovered that the earth revolves around the sun. Later, Isaac Newton, one of the most influential scientists of all time, published his law of universal gravitation. Both of these men were widely known for their belief in God. By the nineteenth century, however, mainstream science had become locked into the materialistic paradigm. 

Materialism maintains that anything that is not material cannot exist. Materialism purports, without evidence, that consciousness is produced by the brain, and when the brain stops functioning, consciousness ceases to exist. Materialism is a false, dogmatic belief system that cannot be proven. Ivan Antic, author of The Physics of Consciousness, recognizes that scientific materialism is a false paradigm, “Physics as science will reach its ultimate peak through understanding consciousness.”

In the last century, experiments in quantum mechanics showed that matter exists as probabilities and tendencies rather than absolute things; all matter is made up of atoms and molecules that are in constant motion. Matter is energy vibration rather than actual solid material. Everything is energy, and everything is connected to everything else.

We learned in school that matter is made up of molecules consisting of atoms. Atoms consist of a nucleus with electrons circling around the nucleus. We think of these elements as separate particles. However, appearances can be deceptive. It turns out that solid matter is less solid than it appears. Scientists have calculated that your body is 99.99999999% empty space. So why do things feel solid if everything is energy?

Our electrons are everywhere at once, filling up space with their wave functions. The reality is that nothing is solid and you have never truly touched anything made of solid matter in your life. It is an illusion. It is all simply energy waves.

everything is energy

Given that everything is energy, the materialism paradigm has missed the mark. The following introductory video illustrates the energetic reality:  Everything Is Energy (3:20 minutes)

Hungarian philosopher of science and systems theorist, Ervin László, who was twice nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, summarizes the energetic nature of reality as follows, “The universe is not a domain of matter moving in space and time; It is a sea of coherent vibrations.” (The Intelligence of the Cosmos: Why Are We Here? New Answers from the Frontiers of Science).

The Role of Consciousness

Consciousness plays a fundamental role in determining our reality. This principle has been recognized by some of the most prominent quantum physicists:

  • Max Planck, a founder of quantum physics, understood that consciousness underlies all matter:

    All matter originates and exists only by virtue of a force…We must assume behind this force the existence of a conscious and intelligent Mind. This Mind is the matrix of all matter…I regard consciousness as fundamental. I regard matter as derivative from consciousness. We cannot get behind consciousness. Everything that we talk about, everything that we regard as existing, postulates consciousness.
    — Max Planck (1858–1947), Nobel Prize for Physics, 1918

  • Another of the founders of quantum mechanics, Werner Heisenberg, recognized the fundamental role of the consciousness of the observer:

    Separation of the observer from the phenomenon to be observed is no longer possible.
    — Werner Heisenberg (1901–1976), Nobel Prize for Physics, 1932 (for the Creation of Quantum Mechanics)

  • The prominent physicist, Neils Bohr, also embraced this reality:

    The universe may be nothing more than a giant hologram created by the mind.
    — Neils Bohr (1885–1962), Nobel Prize for Physics, 1922 (for Contributions to Quantum Mechanics)

The Double Slit  Experiment – The Observer Effect

The “observer effect” is the theory that the mere observation of a phenomenon inevitably changes that phenomenon. One of the most famous experiments in physics is the double-slit experiment. It demonstrates, with unparalleled strangeness, that little particles of matter have something of a wave about them and suggests that the very act of observing a particle has a dramatic effect on its behavior.

Aspects of the double-slit experiment (such as the collapse of the wavefunction upon observation) bring into question the possibility of consciousness interacting with matter. Nevertheless, experimental evidence for the interaction of consciousness and matter or the non-locality of consciousness is generally ignored by mainstream science, which limits its investigations to the physical world. The missing link in mainstream science is consciousness. (See Dean Radin, Ph.D., below.)

Scientists believe that non-local consciousness might be modeled by quantum entanglement. Quantum mechanics is a fundamental and well-established theory.

The following video shows the results of many double-slit experiments that suggest that consciousness is an active participant in reality:  New Experiments Show Consciousness Affects Matter ~ Dean Radin Ph.D. (41:04 minutes).

Parapsychology science (psi)  also supports the existence of nonlocal consciousness. Psi science studies involve parapsychological or psychic ability. Mainstream science does not recognize psi science as being valid because it is outside the materialistic paradigm. Nonetheless, according to Charles T. Tart, Ph.D., there have been thousands of scientifically valid parapsychological experiments carried out over the past 100 years. Dr. Tart authored The End of Materialism; How Evidence of the Paranormal is Bringing Science and Spirit Together. (See his other books listed below).

Dean Radin, Ph.D., covers psi research on telepathy, psychokinesis, clairvoyance, and precognition in this video:   “Science and the Taboo of psi” with Dean Radin. Positive research findings have also been reported on topics other than the four covered in Radin’s video. Many of these findings can be found in books referenced in the Scienced-Based Libraries on this resource page and on the following of our resource pages:  Energy HealingNear-Death ExperiencesOut-of-Body ExperiencesReincarnationMediumship, and Death and Dying.

Mainstream scientists maintain that the brain produces consciousness, and when the brain dies its consciousness dies as well. This is a false belief. Consciousness CAN indeed work without the brain because consciousness is nonlocal. Recently scientists confirmed that a single-celled organism can learn, remember, solve problems and make decisions, all without a brain or neurons. This study, “A Complex Hierarchy of Avoidance Behaviors in a Single-Cell Eukaryote”, was published in Current Biology on December 5, 2019.

Learning by slime molds is described in this video:  Heather Barnett: What humans can learn from semi-intelligent slime (12.12 minutes).

science-based awakening resources

Science of Consciousness Resources

Organizations about the Science of Consciousness

  • Academy for Spiritual and Consciousness Studies (ASCSI)

    The goal of the ASCSI is to support the interchange of ideas that emerge in the interface of the study of consciousness and science. 

  • Institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS)

    The IONS mission is to reveal the interconnected nature of reality through scientific exploration and personal discovery with a focus on understanding humanity’s inherent inner wisdom.

  • Science and Nonduality (SAND)

    The SAND community offers a range of courses designed to deepen understanding of the nature of reality, consciousness, and the interconnection of all things.

  • Scientific Committee to Evaluate PseudoSkeptical Criticism of the Paranormal (SCEPCOP)

    SCEPCOP is a coalition of researchers, investigators, and others who counter and expose fallacies spawned by “religious fanaticism, unscientific behavior, misinformation, denial, suppression, bigotry and ridicule toward data, experience or science that challenges orthodoxy or does not fit into a materialistic paradigm.”

  • The Rhine Research Center

    The Rhine’s mission is to advance the science of parapsychology (psi), to provide education and resources for the public, and to foster a community for individuals with personal and professional interest in psi.

  • Society for Scientific Exploration (SSE)

    The SSE provides a forum for sharing original research into subjects that often cross mainstream boundaries yet may have profound implications for human knowledge and technology. The SSE publishes a peer-reviewed journal and the popular “EdgeScience” magazine, hosts conferences, and connects scholars.

Videos about the Science of Consciousness

Books on Science of Consciousness

Al-Khalili, Jim and McFadden, Johnjoe

Life on the Edge: The Coming Age of Quantum Biology
by Jim Al-Khalili and Johnjoe McFadden, 355 pages (2014)

Both Al-Khalili and McFadden are science professors at the University of Surrey, Great Britain

Beauregard, Mario M.D.

The Spiritual Brain: A Neuroscientist’s Case for the Existence of the Soul
by Mario Beauregard, Ph.D., & Denyse O’Leary, 368 pages (2007)

Begley, Sharon

Train Your Mind, Change Your Brain: How a New Science Reveals Our Extraordinary Potential to Transform Ourselves
by Sharon Begley, 283 pages (2007)

Begley is a New York Times best-selling author.

Braden, Gregg

The Divine Matrix: Bridging Time, Space, Miracles and Belief  by Gregg Braden, 223 pages (2008)

Gregg Braden is a New York Times best-selling author of four other books and is the winner of Nautilus Book Awards for seven of his books.

Carter, Chris

Chamovitz, Daniel

What a Plant Knows: A Field Guide to the Senses
by Daniel Chamovitz, Ph.D., 177 pages (2012)

An example of consciousness at work without a brain, plants respond to light, smell, touch, and exhibit different kinds of memory.

Childre, Doc

Heart Intelligence: Connecting with the Intuitive Guidance of the Heart
by Doc Childre, Howard Martin, Deborah Rozman & Rollin McCraty, 270 pages (2017)

Chilton Pearce, Joseph

Chopra, Deepak M.D.

You Are the Universe: Discovering Your Cosmic Self and Why It Matters
by Deepak Chopra, M.D. and Menas Kafatos, Ph.D., 276 pages (2017)

As of the publication date of this book, Dr. Chopra had written 85 books translated into over 43 languages including numerous New York Times bestsellers.

Website:  DeepakChopra.com

Video:   Deepak Chopra & Menas Kafatos: You Are the Universe: Discovering Your Cosmic Self   (Kafatos is a Professor of Computational Physics who has authored 15 books.)

Church, Dawson

Currivan, Jude Ph.D.

Davies, Paul Ph.D.

The Mind of God: The Scientific Basis for a Rational World
by Paul Davies, 254 pages (1993)

Paul Davies is a physicist, cosmologist, and astrobiologist.

Dossey, Larry M.D.

One Mind: How Our Individual Mind is a Part of a Greater Consciousness and Why It Matters
by Larry Dossey, M.D., 337 pages (2014)

Dr. Larry Dossey is a New York Times best-selling author.

Emoto, Masaru

The Hidden Messages in Water
by Dr. Masaru Emoto, 157 pages (2004)

This book is a New York Times bestseller.

Goswami, Amit Ph.D.

Grof, Stanislav, M.D., Ph.D.​

The Way of the Psychonaut: Encyclopedia for Inner Journeys by Stanislav Grof, M.D., Ph.D., Volume One – 419 pages (2019)

The Way of the Psychonaut Vol. 2: Encyclopedia for Inner Journeys by Stanislav Grof, M.D., Ph.D., Volume Two – 355 pages (2019)

Dr. Grof is a psychiatrist with over 60 years of experience researching non-ordinary states of consciousness. He has published 17 books translated into 22 languages. “To call him the Einstein of consciousness would be an understatement.” – Deepak Chopra, M.D.

Haisch, Bernard Ph.D.

The God Theory: Universes, Zero-Point Fields, and What’s Behind It All
by Bernard Haisch, Ph.D., 163 pages (2009)

Haisch is an astrophysicist and the author of 130 scientific publications.

Hawkins, David R., M.D., Ph.D.

Jawer, Michael and Micozzi, Marc S. M.D., Ph.D.

The Spiritual Anatomy of Emotion: How Feelings Link the Brain, the Body, and the Sixth Sense
by Michael A. Jawer with Marc S. Micozzi, M.D., Ph.D., 558 pages (2009)

Joye, Shelli Renee, Ph.D.

Katra, Jane Ph.D. and Targ, Russell

The Heart of the Mind: Using Our Mind to Transform Our Consciousness
by Jane Katra, Ph.D. & Russell Targ, 196 pages (2011)

Website:   JaneKatra.org

Kean, Leslie

Surviving Death: a Journalist Investigates Evidence for an Afterlife
by Leslie Kean, 432 pages (2018)

Leslie Kean is an investigative journalist and a New York Times best-selling author. This book is a winner of the Parapsychological Association Book Award.

Kelly, Edward

Irreducible Mind: Toward a Psychology for the 21st Century
by Edward F. Kelly, Emily Williams Kelly, Adam Crabtree, Alan Gauld, Michael Grosso, and Bruce Greyson, 832 pages (2009)

Lanza, Robert, M.D. with Berman, Bob

 László, Ervin Ph.D.

Reconnecting to the Source: The New Science of Spiritual Experience, How it Can Change You, and How It Can Transform the World
by Ervin László, Ph.D., 244 pages (2020)

László has been nominated twice for the Nobel Peace Prize. He has published more than 75 books translated into 26 languages, and over 400 articles and research papers.

Lipton, Bruce Ph.D

The Biology of Belief 10th Anniversary Edition: Unleashing the Power of Consciousness, Matter, and Miracles
by Bruce Lipton, Ph.D., 275 pages (2005, 2015)

In this book, Lipton discusses unleashing the power of consciousness, matter, and miracles.

Mancuso, Stefano

The Revolutionary Genius of Plants: A New Understanding of Plant Intelligence and Behavior
by Stefano Mancuso, 225 pages (2017)

Manusco is the world’s leading authority in the field of plant neurobiology. He is a professor at the University of Florence in Italy. Manusco writes that “plants exhibit unmistakable attributes of intelligence with no central brain.”

McTaggart, Lynne

The Field: The Quest for the Secret Force of the Universe
by Lynne McTaggart, 268 pages (2008)

Lynne McTaggart is the award-winning author of seven books. Her books are now available in some 30 languages.

Nadeau, Robert and Kafatos, Menas

The Non-Local Universe: The New Physics and Matters of the Mind
by Robert Nadeau and Menas Kafatos, 240 pages (1999)

Newberg, Andrew M.D. and Mark Robert Waldman

How Enlightenment Changes Your Brain: The New Science of Transformation
by Andrew Newberg, M.D. and Mark Robert Waldman, 278 pages (2016)
Why We Believe What We Believe: Uncovering Our Biological Need for Meaning, Spirituality, and Truth
by Andrew Newberg, M.D. and Mark Robert Waldman, 321 pages (2006)

Pert, Candace Ph.D.

Molecules of Emotion: Why You Feel the Way You Feel
by Candace B. Pert, Ph.D., 368 pages (1999)

This groundbreaking book by Dr. Candace Pert, a pioneering neuroscientist researcher and pharmacologist who discovered the opiate receptor, the cellular binding site for endorphins in the brain.

Playfair, Guy Lyon

Twin Telepathy
by Guy Lyon Playfair, 178 pages (2008)

This pioneering book presents an immense body of evidence indicating that there is a special communication connection between twins.

Radin, Dean Ph.D.

Real Magic: Ancient Wisdom, Modern Science, and a Guide to the Secret Power of the Universe
by Dean Radin, Ph.D., 258 pages (2018)

Dr. Dean Radin is a bestselling author and Chief Scientist at the Institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS)

Richheimer, Steven, Ph.D.

The Fallacy of Materialism: How Conscious Creates the Material World and Why It Matters
by Steven RIchheimer, Ph.D., 282 pages (2021)

This is an Amazon #1 Bestseller.

Website:   StevenRichheimer.com

Rovelli, Carlo

The Order of Time
by Carlo Rovelli, 239 pages (2018)

This is a highly acclaimed New York Times bestseller. Rovelli is an Italian theoretical physicist whose previous bestseller Seven Brief Lessons in Physics was translated into 40 languages.

Russell, Peter

Sheldrake, Rupert Ph.D,

Science and Spiritual Practices: Transformative Experiences and Their Effects on Our Bodies, Brains, and Health
by Rupert Sheldrake, Ph.D, 240 pages (2019)

This book discusses transformative experiences and their effects on our bodies, brains, and health. Sheldrake is a biologist and the author of 85 scientific papers and 11 books.

Science Set Free: 10 Paths to New Discovery
by Rupert Sheldrake, 390 pages (2012)

Singer, Michael A.

The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself <
by Michael A. Singer, 295 pages (2007)

#1 New York Times bestseller.

Talbot, Michael

The Holographic Universe: The Revolutionary Theory of Reality
by Michael Talbot, 337 pages (2011)

Talbot reveals parallels between ancient mysticism and quantum mechanics. It presents a theoretical model of reality that suggests the universe is a hologram based on the research and conclusions of David Bohm and Karl H. Pribram.

Tart, Charles T., Ph.D

The End of Materialism: How Evidence of the Paranormal Is Bringing Science and Spirit Together 
by Charles T. Tart, Ph.D., 405 pages (2009)

Dr. Charles Tart is one of the founders of the field of transpersonal psychology.

Website:    Paradigm-sys.com

Ullman, Montague M.D. and Krippner, Stanley Ph.D.

Dream Telepathy: Experiments in Nocturnal Extrasensory Perception
by Montague Ullman, M.D., Stanley Krippner, Ph.D. with Alan Vaughan, 274 pages (1973, 2002)

This volume is part of the Hampton Roads Studies in Consciousness series.

Wohlleben, Peter and Billinghurst, Jane

The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate―Discoveries from A Secret World
by Peter Wohlleben, Jane Billinghurst, et al., 288 pages (2016)

New York Times Bestseller. Trees (and plants) communicate without brains.

Wolf, Fred Alan

Taking the Quantum Leap: The New Physics for Non-Scientists
by Fred Alan Wolf, Ph.D., 282 pages (1989)

Winner of the American Book Award