Aspects Of Consciousness Research Articles

The Unity of Consciousness and the Practical Ethics of Neural Organoid Research

This article investigates a critical yet underexplored structural aspect of consciousness in the context of the practical ethics of neural organoid research: the unity of consciousness. We advocate for the necessity of the unified field, which has garnered substantial support from both philosophical and empirical standpoints, although the debate remains unresolved. We highlight the brainstem as a potential source of the unified conscious field, a structure already under scrutiny in neural organoid research in relation to conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and post-COVID-19 syndromes. We argue that if unity is a necessary feature of consciousness, consciousness is contingent upon a specific biological system without which consciousness cannot arise, thereby narrowing the range of neural organoids of ethical concern. Furthermore, the transplantation of neural organoids into animals has emerged as a practical concern, with ethical implications varying based on the necessity of the unity of consciousness. We argue that transplantation evades a significant ethical dilemma if unity is necessary and if the organoids to be transplanted lack the neural basis for the unified field of consciousness.

ARTISTIC AXIOLOGY OF THE IMAGE OF THE «NEW KAZAKH WOMAN» IN ABAY’S POETRY

The main leitmotif of this study is the artistic existence of the "new kazakh woman” in the creative context of Abai, their features and axiological character, which have their own gender consciousness. In addition, the content and semantic meaning of the category “value” is analyzed in revealing the axiological facets of Kazakh women, embodied by the poet. The author draws attention to the spiritual world of the kazakh woman and the ontological aspect of female consciousness, which first appears in Abai’s discourse, beyond the stereotypes and cultural clichés of women that once existed in kazakh literature. For centuries, beauty, grace, and external portraiture have been glorified as a way of conveying individuality, personal facets of a kazakh woman and mental phenomena in her spiritual world. Also in the national literature, the emancipatory point of view of Abai, who was the first to sing of women's liberation and women's happiness, is considered. In the literary, cultural, historical context, the asocial realities of kazakh women and their “changed” behavioral strategies are considered, which violate the generally accepted standards of traditional society in Abai’s poetry and introduce new views, new values. It also formulates the artistic world of female characters who openly express love passions and intimate desires in Abai’s works, and a poetic position illustrating feminist traits in accordance with the female worldview. The “new kazakh woman” created by Abai boldly challenges the established conventions of patriarchal society, protesting against the stereotypical views imposed on him (everyday, family, life). Realizing the meaning of her life, her “I,” she manifests herself in the image of the desire to act, to live as she wants for herself. The purpose of the study was also to determine the women's problem in Abai's work, which was previously considered in various aspects, the evolution of their social, psychological, aesthetic and artistic image and the novelty of the poet in interpreting the female theme. Therefore, the article consistently differentiates a new image of the Kazakh woman, who in the previous literary discourse has transformed from a spiritually weak, passive personality into a versatile, mature, active personality.

Pratimarsh Nasya: The Philosophical Nexus Connecting Pran Vayu and Consciousness in Ayurvedic Healing

In the rich tapestry of Ayurvedic medicine, Pratimarsh Nasya emerges as a profound practice that harmonizes the breath (Pran Vayu) with the mind's consciousness. This ancient therapy not only revitalizes the senses but also bridges the gap between physical and spiritual well-being. Ayurveda, the science of life, intertwines the physical and metaphysical through various practices. Among these, Pratimarsh Nasya stands out for its unique ability to connect the vital life force, Pran Vayu, with the deeper realms of consciousness, offering a holistic approach to healing. This gentle yet potent ritual not only revitalizes the senses but also holds the promise of enhancing the quality of sleep, aligning the body's rhythms with a harmonious balance. By channeling the subtle energies of Pran Vayu and fostering a serene state of consciousness, Pratimarsh Nasya offers a holistic approach to healing that extends its benefits to improving sleep quality and overall well-being. It offers a pathway to enhance mental clarity and spiritual balance by aligning the breath with the mind's essence. Pratimarsh Nasya, a revered practice in Ayurveda, serves as a bridge between the vital force of Pran Vayu and the profound depths of consciousness. By exploring its philosophical and therapeutic dimensions, we gain insights into its transformative impact on holistic health. In the pursuit of optimal health and wellness, Pratimarsh Nasya stands out as a beacon of Ayurvedic wisdom. This practice harmonizes the dynamic energies of Pran Vayu with the contemplative aspects of consciousness, paving the way for improved sleep and profound healing. Delving into its effects reveals how this ancient tradition can be a key player in modern holistic health strategies.

От философии сознания к философии субъекта: самоотношение

Modern philosophy of mind focuses on such aspects of consciousness as perception, information processing, and qualia (also occurring in perception). At the same time, insuffi cient attention is paid to such conscious actions of the subject as decision-making and action. However, action requires no less consciousness than perception. It is not so much the philosophy of mind that deals with action as the philosophy of subject. This article makes a connection between the philosophy of mind and the philosophy of subject through the concepts of freedom and selfrelationship. The subject is essentially free because he makes decisions. Even if his decisions are determined by his biological arrangement or his history, he transforms past determinations into future ones, and still the decision-making occurs, so that some freedom is required. As for mind, it is also related to freedom because its light is lit in the same decision-making situations. There is a special group of decisions concerning subject’s relations. The subject’s relations to the world, to the Self, to the Others, to transcendence are considered. In relation to the world, the subject can manifest his freedom through self-restraint, renunciation of power, based on Heidegger’s maxim of “letting being be.” He can build his attitude towards Others in an ethical paradigm, for example, according to the teachings of Levinas. Transcendence can be given in the form of looking at oneself from the outside. A special group of actions of the subject is distinguished: self-attitude and self-action. In the fi eld of mind it is self-consciousness. The subject can modify his own attitudes based on the transcendent point that he himself posits. This also has implications for the choice of values. The religious relation to one’s own soul and Heidegger’s doctrine of transcendence are considered. Self-existence is a supremely free action of the subject through which he constructs himself.

Підходи до розуміння корупції у міжнародному та національному законодавстві

affects all aspects of social life and consciousness, undermining the foundations of social values and state authority. The authors draw attention to the lack of a single definition of corruption in international documents, which calls for a deeper analysis and understanding of corruption. At the same time, it is emphasized that Ukrainian legislation, in response to this, is trying to provide legislative regulation of corruption, directing efforts to adapt to international standards and develop a comprehensive approach to defining and fighting it. It has been established that, compared to Ukraine, countries such as Germany, Italy, France, Canada and Finland approach the issue of corruption differently. They do not have a clear legal definition of corruption, nor do they classify it as a separate category of offenses. This approach is aimed at ensuring flexibility in solving issues related to corruption, adapting to national characteristics and needs. The review of scientific approaches to the definition of corruption also made it possible to demonstrate its diverse interpretation depending on the context and discipline. The analysis confirms two main directions in the study of corruption: as a criminal act and as a social phenomenon affecting various aspects of public life. In the first case, corruption is viewed through the prism of the illegal use of state powers for personal enrichment, while in the second case, it is seen as a manifestation of social problems, including the abuse of power. In the conclusions, the author states that corruption, as a complex multifaceted phenomenon, requires an integrated approach to its analysis and understanding, which covers both legal and social factors. The limited perception of corruption exclusively within the legal framework does not allow to fully cover all its complexity and multiplicity of manifestations. Thus, research on corruption and efforts to reduce it must be multifaceted, taking into account a variety of factors, including historical, cultural, social, and economic contexts.

Critical consciousness and anti-racist action as rooted in family processes.

Racially ethnically marginalized communities in the United States are exposed to structural and interpersonal forms of racism that have harmful effects on their health, wealth, education, and employment (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Racism and Health. https://www.cdc.gov/minorityhealth/racism-disparities/index.html, 2021). Although a plethora of research exists outlining these harmful effects, research examining how youth from diverse backgrounds effectively combat racism is lacking. Emerging research demonstrates that families may play a key role in the development of critical consciousness and participation in anti-racist actions (Bañales etal., Journal of Social Issues, 2021, 77, 964; Blanco Martinez etal., American Journal of Community Psychology, 2022, 70, 278; Lozada etal., Journal of Black Psychology, 2017, 43, 493). Yet, many key family processes have not been examined in relation to youth development of anti-racist practices. The current study included a sample of 327 racially ethnically diverse emerging adults (Mage = 18.80, SD = 1.28, range = 18-25), and explored the association between ethnic-racial socialization (cultural socialization, preparation for bias) and youth critical consciousness (reflection, motivation, action) and anti-racist (interpersonal, communal, political change) actions, and how familism values impact these associations. Results found that ethnic-racial socialization was positively associated with all aspects of critical consciousness and anti-racist actions. Results also found that familism significantly interacted with ethnic-racial socialization to predict some aspects of critical consciousness and anti-racist actions, but not others. Implications of the findings and future research directions are discussed.

“My mind is not in my brain”: exploring consciousness with children using creative research methods

ABSTRACT The focus on the brain over the last few decades has seen an overclaiming of the human condition through brain-based research. Researching consciousness is an enquiry into who we are, our subjective experiences and our relationality with others and the world. In typical and child development research, materialist orientations dominate the field, assuming brains as the manufacturers of consciousness. Qualitative research has the potential to engage children in consciousness research, while interrogating typical constructionist, realist and materialist orientations. In this article we discuss using creative research methods for exploring aspects of phenomenal consciousness, such as self and mind, with children in a UK primary school. We share findings in relation to how children understand consciousness, how consciousness bears on self for children in the study, and how children experience and perceive the mind/body.

Teknik dan Prosedur Asosiasi Bebas dan Interpretasi dalam Konseling Psikoanalisa

Psychoanalytic theory is a theory that attempts to explain the nature and development of personality. The classic psychoanalyst is Sigmund Freud, Freud initially developed his theory about personality structure and the causes of mental disorders. The main elements of this theory are motivation, emotions, and other aspects of consciousness. The purpose of this article is to know Techniques and Procedures for Free Association and Interpretation in Psychoanalytic Counseling. The method used in this research is qualitative with a literature study, starting with written material that is considered the most relevant. The results of this research include, namely (1) Basic procedures for free association counseling techniques, (2) procedures for interpretation counseling techniques, (3) Steps for free association, (4) Steps for interpretation counseling techniques.

디지털미디어 시대 문화적 불통과 대안 고찰

This study pointed to the maximization of heterogeneity due to digital literacy gaps and cultural retardation as a problem that we are paying attention to in the media age today. In this pater, the emotional impact of the issue was analyzed, and accordingly, the aspect of consciousness was presented as an alternative for each individual to experience and reflect on the realization of communication. The study discussed which emotional situations can be linked to social fragmentation, focusing on three elements of the consciousness that cause cultural miscommunication: ‘grouping of reactions, logic of concealment, and passive convergence’. In addition, it was emphasized that it is important to establish autonomous standards for communication and think specifically the level of self-awareness in relation to emotional states through self-immersion in order to change various problems caused by miscommunication. On the other hand, it was examined whether a being can be defined by the limited and continuous nature of identity, considering that the world is changed according to the mind rather than the mind is attributed to environmental factors. While acknowledging that he identity of existence cannot be defined, it was derived that the process of dealing with it from various perspectives and methods by using the identity as a topic will soon disprove some kind of identity. It was believed that such communication can begin by observing the accompanying emotional changes when experience has been accumulated to think differently of the meaning of action in various aspects.

Crafting explainable artificial intelligence through active inference: A model for transparent introspection and decision-making

This paper explores the feasibility of constructing interpretable artificial intelligence (AI) systems rooted in active inference and the free energy principle. Initially, we offer a concise introduction to active inference, emphasizing its relevance to modeling decision-making, introspection, and the generation of both overt and covert actions. Subsequently, we delve into how active inference can serve as a foundation for designing explainable AI systems. Specifically, it enables us to capture essential aspects of "introspective" processes and generate intelligible models of decision-making mechanisms. We propose an architectural framework for explainable AI systems employing active inference. Central to this framework is an explicit hierarchical generative model that enables the AI system to monitor and elucidate the factors influencing its decisions. Importantly, this model's structure is designed to be understandable and verifiable by human users. We elucidate how this architecture can amalgamate diverse data sources to make informed decisions in a transparent manner, mirroring aspects of human consciousness and introspection. Finally, we examine the implications of our findings for future AI research and discuss potential ethical considerations associated with developing AI systems with (apparent) introspective capabilities.

Crafting explainable artificial intelligence through active inference: A model for transparent introspection and decision-making

This paper explores the feasibility of constructing interpretable artificial intelligence (AI) systems rooted in active inference and the free energy principle. Initially, we offer a concise introduction to active inference, emphasizing its relevance to modeling decision-making, introspection, and the generation of both overt and covert actions. Subsequently, we delve into how active inference can serve as a foundation for designing explainable AI systems. Specifically, it enables us to capture essential aspects of "introspective" processes and generate intelligible models of decision-making mechanisms. We propose an architectural framework for explainable AI systems employing active inference. Central to this framework is an explicit hierarchical generative model that enables the AI system to monitor and elucidate the factors influencing its decisions. Importantly, this model's structure is designed to be understandable and verifiable by human users. We elucidate how this architecture can amalgamate diverse data sources to make informed decisions in a transparent manner, mirroring aspects of human consciousness and introspection. Finally, we examine the implications of our findings for future AI research and discuss potential ethical considerations associated with developing AI systems with (apparent) introspective capabilities.

A Comparative Study on the Aesthetics of Chinese and Russian War-themed Movies from the Perspective of Big Data

As an important component of national cinema, war-themed movies represent the strength of the national film industry and modern technology. From a historical perspective, Chinese war-themed films have been influenced by the aesthetics of Soviet cinema. This paper begins by exploring the historical origins and development of Chinese and Russian war-themed mainstream films, and conducts an aesthetic comparison from the aspects of ideological consciousness, humanistic reflection, new paradigms, and application of network big data technology. It elucidates the spiritual aspirations of Chinese and Russian war-themed films and grasps the development direction of such films in China.

Historical Consciousness and the Uses of the Past: The Nineteenth-Century Parthenon Replicas

Abstract The idea of making a replica of an ancient building such as the Parthenon involves a complex set of emotions, historical thought processes and usages of memory. This article explores the historical process and the politics of memory involved in building replicas of the Parthenon through a set of nineteenth-century examples that illustrate crucial changes in the approaches to history. These processes are juxtaposed and compared with the restoration works on the original Parthenon itself. In doing so, it maintains that the aspects of historical consciousness that the reconstructions both relied upon and sought to manipulate should be seen through the lens of the uses of the past. Arguing against a simplistic notion of the replicas of Parthenon being simply manifestations of the nationalism and classicism of the day, it maintains that they should be seen as works of historical self-definition and the generation of meanings through historical identification.

Вопросы сознания в контексте внедрения искусственного интеллекта в правовую деятельность

This article is devoted to the study of aspects of human consciousness in the context of the introduction of artificial intelligence technology in legal activity. The article considers the issues of presence of elements of consciousness in superpower artificial intelligence, the issues of relevance of the use of artificial intelligence technology in law, challenges to human consciousness as a result of the introduction of artificial intelligence in legal activity, the issues of dehumanisation of law in technological terms under the influence of the introduction of artificial intelligence in legal activity. We understand the dehumanisation of law as the loss of human significance as the main subject of legal relations and the displacement of humans from traditional activities due to their insufficient functional efficiency. It is manifested not only in giving legal personality to non– traditional subjects of law (e.g., electronic person or electronic administrative person), not only in the displacement of a human being from the chain "norm–addressee" by means of machine–written and machine–executed law, not only in the expansion of technological norms, which leads to the displacement of legal norms, but also in the cyborgisation of some people and the degradation of others in the process of their self–removal or elimination from the activities they have mastered, including in the legal sphere.As a result of the study, the author comes to the conclusion that the widespread introduction of artificial intelligence is not a technological problem and not even a problem of creating an effective legal regulation of a new subject of legal relations – it is a serious challenge to human consciousness itself and, at the same time, one of perhaps the last chances for man to realize himself as a God–man.

Social consciousness in the fictional works of Prem Chand

Prem Chand is called the god of fictional stories. The aspect of social consciousness is vivid in his writings. He peeps into society with deep insight and describes the social & psychological conditions of his characters. The commonness is his central characters. He was associated with progressive movement and wrote under its agenda. His writings are a silent protest against imperialism, colonialism, feudal system and slavery of every kind. His stories pose as a unique blend of idealism & realism. His story “Kaffan” (کفن) & Jarmana (جریمانہ) are exemplary in depicting social consciousness. He was a great preacher of harmony & peace in the society. His fictional writings show great advocacy in creating love, tolerance and harmony among Muslims & Hindus. In fact he was a writer of every deprived human being.

Approaching the nature of consciousness through a phenomenal analysis of early vision. What is the explanandum?

Loorits (2014) identifies the solution to the hard problem of consciousness in the possibility of fully analyzing seemingly non-structural aspects of consciousness in structural terms. However, research on consciousness conducted in recent decades has failed to bridge the explanatory gap between the brain and conscious mind. One reason why the explanatory gap cannot be filled, and consequently the problem remains hard, is that experience and neural structure are too different or "distant" to be directly compatible. Conversely, structural aspects of consciousness can be found in phenomenal experience. One possible alternative, therefore, is to seek the structure of seemingly non-structural aspects of consciousness not in the neural substrate, but within consciousness itself, through a phenomenal analysis of the qualitative aspects of experience, starting from its simplest forms. An essential premise is to reformulate the explanandum of consciousness, which is usually attributed to qualia and what it is like to be in a certain state. However, these properties do not allow us to identify the fundamental aspects of phenomenal experience. Sensations such as the redness of red or the painfulness of pain are inseparable from the context of the experience to which they belong, making qualia appear as phenomenal artifacts. Furthermore, the simplest qualitative aspects can be found in early vision. They are involved in perceptual organization and necessarily have relational significance. The unitary set of qualities found in early vision-such as those related to being an object, background or detail-constitutes the explanandum of the simplest forms of consciousness and seems to imply a justifying structure. Although early vision is characterized by interdependent qualitative components that form a unitary whole, we cannot find in it the structure of seemingly non-structural aspects of consciousness. Phenomenal appearance alone does not seem sufficient to identify a unitary structure of consciousness. However, the closeness of these characteristics to a unitary structure prompts us to delve into less explored territory, using the components of experience also as possible explanans.

Development of Environmentally Conscious Islamic Religious Education Curriculum at Elementary, Secondary, and Tertiary Education Levels

The aim of this study is to identify and analyze environmentally conscious approaches that can be integrated into the Islamic Religious Education (PAI) curriculum at various levels of education, from elementary to tertiary education. This research also explores teaching strategies that can be used to introduce environmental concepts within the context of PAI. The research method employed is a literature review, involving the collection and analysis of relevant literature on environmental education, the PAI curriculum, and environmentally conscious approaches in religious education. The results of this research are expected to provide guidance for the development of a more inclusive PAI curriculum regarding environmental issues, as well as practical guidelines for PAI educators to integrate environmentally conscious aspects into their teaching. This research has the potential to make a positive contribution to sustainable religious education understanding and practices, promoting environmental awareness and social responsibility among students and university students. In conclusion, the integration of environmentally conscious perspectives into the PAI curriculum can be a crucial step in preparing the younger generation to face global environmental challenges in the future.

Expression of Ecological Consciousness of the Indigenous Peoples of the North in the Works by N. Kalitin (<i>Tommoo, Thunder Bursts</i>)

Purpose. The article is devoted to the key aspects of expressing ecological consciousness of the indigenous peoples of the North in novels Tommoo and Thunder Bursts by Nikolai Kalitin, who raises the problem of damaging hunting grounds and rivers during the technological development of the North.Results. The key aspects of the ecological consciousness of Evenks and Yakuts are revealed in novels Tommoo and Thunder bursts. The ecological consciousness is based on a careful attitude to nature, and awareness of inseparable unity with it: perception of nature as the mother of all things and understanding of kinship with it; animateness of all objects and phenomena revealed through the presence of spirits of nature and mythological deities; man's understanding of himself as a creation of nature; the presence of a sacred tree as a symbol of the world structure, the personification of the unfading fertility of the earth.Conclusion. The key to solving the problem of further survival and wealth of indigenous peoples of the North is believed to be the search for a balance between the technological development of society and the preservation of ecology, rational use of natural resources for continuation of traditional activities, based on ethnic culture with rational simplification of labor.

Children’s reasoning about a basic aspect of consciousness

ABSTRACT In many cultural contexts, judging another as conscious or not has profound practical, legal, and philosophical consequences. However, little research focuses on how our ability to make such judgements arises. Thirty years ago a classic set of studies by Flavell et al. demonstrated that children do not develop a complex understanding of conscious ideation in others until age 8. We investigated whether children understand a more basic aspect of conscious experience at earlier ages: a person has conscious thoughts when awake in contrast to when soundly, dreamlessly asleep. We tested 211 3-to-13-year-old children, who watched video sequences, focally one where a person was asleep and then awoke. Children were half as likely to say the target was having thoughts while asleep compared to awake. Even the youngest children made this distinction, demonstrating that children as young as 3-years have at least a basic understanding of consciousness in others.

Critical Consciousness is an Individual Difference: A Test of Measurement Equivalence in American, Ukrainian, and Iranian Universities

We live in a world in which we are socially, politically, economically, and environmentally connected with other people. Online communication has facilitated people coming together from different parts of the world. In terms of social justice movements, people have come together to share ideas about how they perceive social inequality and how to address it, which is what academics call critical consciousness. While scholars have explored critical consciousness in the American context, whether it operates on a global scale is under-explored. To address this question, we administered the Critical Consciousness Scale (a validated survey) with students from the United States, Iran, and Ukraine. Our findings demonstrate that critical consciousness maintains its factor structure across the entire sample, meaning that students from these three countries share some notions of critical consciousness. However, when comparing national groups, we find that critical consciousness is defined differently by students in different countries. In a practical sense, these findings mean that some aspects of critical consciousness are shared, but there are important differences in how it is perceived and how its components relate to one another. By attempting to understand critical consciousness internationally, this study serves as a cautionary narrative for international solidarity movements organized around the goal of social justice.