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Columbia Series in Science and Religion
Hidden Dimensions: The Unification of Physics and Consciousness
Bridging the gap between the world of science and the realm of the spiritual, B. Alan Wallace introduces a natural theory of human consciousness that has its roots in contemporary physics and Buddhism. Wallace's "special theory of ontological relativity" suggests that mental phenomena are conditioned by the brain, but do not emerge from it. Rather, the entire natural world of mind and matter, subjects and objects, arises from a unitary dimension of reality that is more fundamental than these dualities, as proposed by Wolfgang Pauli and Carl Jung.
To test his hypothesis, Wallace employs the Buddhist meditative practice of samatha, refining one's attention and metacognition, to create a kind of telescope to examine the space of the mind. Drawing on the work of the physicist John Wheeler, he then proposes a more general theory in which the participatory nature of reality is envisioned as a self-excited circuit. In comparing these ideas to the Buddhist theory known as the Middle Way philosophy, Wallace explores further aspects of his "general theory of ontological relativity," which can be investigated by means of vipasyana, or insight, meditation. Wallace then focuses on the theme of symmetry in reference to quantum cosmology and the "problem of frozen time," relating these issues to the theory and practices of the Great Perfection school of Tibetan Buddhism. He concludes with a discussion of the general theme of complementarity as it relates to science and religion.
The theories of relativity and quantum mechanics were major achievements in the physical sciences, and the theory of evolution has had an equally deep impact on the life sciences. However, rigorous scientific methods do not yet exist to observe mental phenomena, and naturalism has its limits for shedding light on the workings of the mind. A pioneer of modern consciousness research, Wallace offers a practical and revolutionary method for exploring the mind that combines the keenest insights of contemporary physicists and philosophers with the time-honored meditative traditions of Buddhism.
173 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 6, 2007
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
December 29, 2022
DNF. I wanted to like this book because I think scientific investigation should consider more than neural pathways when it comes to investigating consciousness. Unfortunately, I got about halfway through and couldn’t stand the writing anymore.
It’s no wonder the book is so short. It includes a jumble of half-baked ideas that, if given more space to grow, I think might provide a compelling argument. I wish Wallace would have taken the time to elaborate each concept and explain how it ties into his argument. He does an okay job at this in the first few chapters, even though I felt myself at risk of getting lost. By the time I reached the “High-Energy Experiments in Consciousness” chapter, I was wondering what the Large Hadron Collider had to do with mind-training focused on the five elements.
It’s no wonder the book is so short. It includes a jumble of half-baked ideas that, if given more space to grow, I think might provide a compelling argument. I wish Wallace would have taken the time to elaborate each concept and explain how it ties into his argument. He does an okay job at this in the first few chapters, even though I felt myself at risk of getting lost. By the time I reached the “High-Energy Experiments in Consciousness” chapter, I was wondering what the Large Hadron Collider had to do with mind-training focused on the five elements.
May 24, 2008
This is a book about Buddhism, consciousness and physics. I'm finding that I have to read each sentence slowly, because there is a lot of meat in each line... but I am totally enjoying it. This is one of the most engaging and stimulating books I've read in years.
November 18, 2018
Excellent and very thought provoking.
A very interesting exploration of Buddhist metaphysics when compared with the worldviews emerging from modern Quantum Physics. The author demonstrates a deep understanding.
A very interesting exploration of Buddhist metaphysics when compared with the worldviews emerging from modern Quantum Physics. The author demonstrates a deep understanding.
November 7, 2020
This book is brilliant and at least 10 years ahead of it’s time. Since this book has been published all of these perspectives have been picked up by other scientists and authors who are successful and well known in their fields of study. In the coming decade of conscious-first theories this book will be looked back on as one of the places the paradigm shift began to build credibility. This was an enjoyable read, never did I feel like the author lost me into superfluity or digression. Which is impressive considering the breadth of the material covered. There is a balance here while he compares the rationality of psychology to the dogmas of physics and all of the places they intersect, not just in history but in practice. I recommend this book to anyone interested in joining the movement of conscious-first theories of the perceptual environment. A great place to start with in the 2000s if you’re tracking things chronologically. Maybe a little too advanced for beginners but logicians will have a field day.
July 12, 2020
over my head
August 21, 2021
The book argues for a unified theory of physics and consciousness. Interesting that it suggests establishing “observatory” for the consciousness. The line of argument is based on the work of the leading figures in physics.
Subject is a bit difficult to understand and requires another read / listen.
Subject is a bit difficult to understand and requires another read / listen.
May 3, 2021
Hidden Dimensions provides a well-informed account of the semantic space where Philosophy of Science meets Buddhist Philosophy. The author contrasts the objective scientific method to the subjective contemplative method and makes a case against the scientific method's exclusion of subjective contemplation. This polemic attitude is invalidated in the last chapter, where he writes:
He proceeds to conclude that “[t]he need for us all to work together for the common good has never been greater, and the opportunities for doing so rise up before us with unprecedented splendor.”(ibid.) While it would be hard for one to disagree with this statement, respecting each other, inspiring each other and working together for the common good is something different than the alleged need for science to integrate Buddhist contemplation as a valid epistemic method.
I would like to suggest that what makes the contemplative method unfit for science is that the former aims at another level of knowledge than the latter. For those who have caught a glimpse of that level of wisdom, it is evident that on that level nature cannot be understood because subject and object merge. The very question of "what is the nature of nature" does not make sense. The "luminous space of all possible worlds" (p. 110) is an emotional/spiritual experience that provides the ultimate answer to everything, so it makes science redundant. Nevertheless, science is a fundamental part of human evolution. Without separation from the spiritual experience of everything, there is no progress, no life and death, no existence. Scientists can benefit by the cultivation of their contemplative ability, but science itself cannot integrate the contemplative method as an epistemic method for reaching its goal.
Finally, it is unfortunate that the book ignores the entire field of neuroscience, that provides very relevant answers to the question of the nature of consciousness. Because of this, neuroscience narrows the gap between science and contemplation, thus shedding quite some light on the formerly "hidden dimensions" that the book refers to.
In modern physics the theme of complementarity is closely associated with Niels Bohr, who declared that there are two kinds of truth, ordinary truth and deep truth. You can tell the difference between them, he said, by looking at their opposites, for the opposite of an ordinary truth is a falsehood, but the opposite of a deep truth is another deep truth. From this perspective, it may well be that science, Christianity, and Buddhism all embody deep, complementary truths and methods for achieving happiness, understanding, and virtue.(p. 121)
He proceeds to conclude that “[t]he need for us all to work together for the common good has never been greater, and the opportunities for doing so rise up before us with unprecedented splendor.”(ibid.) While it would be hard for one to disagree with this statement, respecting each other, inspiring each other and working together for the common good is something different than the alleged need for science to integrate Buddhist contemplation as a valid epistemic method.
I would like to suggest that what makes the contemplative method unfit for science is that the former aims at another level of knowledge than the latter. For those who have caught a glimpse of that level of wisdom, it is evident that on that level nature cannot be understood because subject and object merge. The very question of "what is the nature of nature" does not make sense. The "luminous space of all possible worlds" (p. 110) is an emotional/spiritual experience that provides the ultimate answer to everything, so it makes science redundant. Nevertheless, science is a fundamental part of human evolution. Without separation from the spiritual experience of everything, there is no progress, no life and death, no existence. Scientists can benefit by the cultivation of their contemplative ability, but science itself cannot integrate the contemplative method as an epistemic method for reaching its goal.
Finally, it is unfortunate that the book ignores the entire field of neuroscience, that provides very relevant answers to the question of the nature of consciousness. Because of this, neuroscience narrows the gap between science and contemplation, thus shedding quite some light on the formerly "hidden dimensions" that the book refers to.
September 11, 2008
B. Alan Wallace is a leader in the convergence of science (specifially physics) and Buddhism. Terribly prolific, this book is concise and very intreresting. At times, however, he seems too eager to accept pretty far-out claims I feel go beyond most legitamate interpretations of the 'facts.'
October 23, 2009
Umm. I find this book really interesting to read, its words on consciousness, physics with Buddhism...although while going through it I find it difficult to get through few terms but i try to manage to read the book completely and definitely i will read that again to get proper understanding!!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews