Consciousness Studies
Source of the picture: Quanta Magazine
Hindu philosophical schools, e.g. Yoga, Nyāya, Vaiśeṣika, Mīmāṃsā, and Vedānta, not only theorized how reality and the universe are structured but also pondered on human personality, the mind, and the self, how humans can live a life free of suffering and how we can attain true knowledge and liberation.
We are working on developing a theory of consciousness based on Advaitic principles, e.g. three body concept (gross, subtle and cusal body), Atman/Bhrahman, and the nature of reality.
Publications:
Pradhan, S. (2025). On the Measurability of Consciousness. Frontiers in Psychology (Sec. Consciousness Research), Vol.16, May 29, 2025.
Abstract — With the recent advances in neuroscience and brain scanning technologies, there is an increased interest in the measurement problem of consciousness (MPC). The development of a consciousness measurement system (CMS) is still in its infancy without a formal framework and established design approach. This article presents a novel consciousness measurement framework based on consciousness theories and engineering concepts such as measurement workflow, problem space analysis, and observability. The framework proposes measurability criteria, applies them to different use cases, and identifies whether existing theories and technologies can measure consciousness attributes for specific use cases. Researchers and engineers can use this framework to determine the feasibility of CMS for individual use cases.
“Advaita and Contemporary Challenges in Consciousness Studies” — by S. Pradhan, Presented at the Indian Philosophical Congress, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, India, December 18-21, 2024.
Abstract — Consciousness studies have rapidly advanced in the last three decades; many scientific and philosophical theories of consciousness have been proposed. Despite these theoretical and technological developments, many conceptual, methodological, and theoretical challenges remain unanswered. These challenges result from the materialistic worldview that considers consciousness as an emergent property of the material world. Researchers are attempting to address these challenges using alternate theories where consciousness is regarded as a fundamental property of nature. This paper uses a unique interpretation of the notion of Saccidānanda (sat-cit-ānanda) of Advaita Vedānta, where cit is interpreted as cognizability, not as “infinite consciousness.” The metaphysical concepts related to the nature of reality and the three-body doctrine are used along with neurological and computational theories to propose a theory of consciousness called the “Advaitic Theory of Consciousness (ATC).” It is shown that ATC can help address many conceptual challenges in consciousness studies.