Elusive Consciousness

Author(s): Narendra Bhandari, Surendrasingh Pokharana, Jitendra B Shah
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad

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<6>. General Systems Theory, Quantum Physics, Theory of Relativity and Neurophysiology and concepts of Jainism may provide new
concepts of knowledge and evolution
Dr. Surendra Singh Pokharna Former Scientist, Indian Space Research Organization
Email: sspokharna15@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
This paper summarizes limitations of scientific methodology and the concept of knowledge used to study living systems including human systems. It includes limitations caused by the Godel's incompleteness theorems and conservations laws defined for isolated closed systems. It is suggested that we need to explore the General Systems Theory (GST) for better understanding of these issues. It is shown that the concept of Jainism that knowledge is structured in the consciousness needs to be examined in the modern context. It is also illustrated that scientific knowledge is just a subset of a much wider concept of knowledge which is structured in the consciousness.
Therefore research on consciousness may provide new frontiers of knowledge not yet recognized in the modern science. Some recent studies to understand consciousness using quantum physics, general theory of relativity, finer structures of neurons like microtubules and tubulins is also discussed as they may show that these new ideas will further support Jains concept of consciousness. In particular it may support the idea from Jainism that knowledge is structured in the consciousness. As a consequence of this, it is also mentioned that Darwin's principle of “Survival of the fittest" should be compared to a wider principle "Live and Let Live" of Jains based on the higher dimensions of knowledge which emphasize more on underlying identify among all living beings than differences among them. Some examples of extra sensory perception are given form my personal experience. Finally it is proposed that the process of enlightenment as described in Jainism to achieve the highest state of soul may be accompanied by a reduction in rate of entropy increase and a decrease in resource consumption at every stage.
1. INTRODUCTION
Science and technology and their use in
economic developments and
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