The Duality of Consciousness: A New Perspective on Mind and Brain

The concept of consciousness is one that has long been debated and explored across various fields, including neuroscience, philosophy, and spirituality. There is a popular belief that the center of our consciousness is located in the brain. However, this article challenges that conventional wisdom and introduces a new perspective through the lens of renowned theoretical physicist and philosopher, Mohammad Ali Taheri.

The Brain as a Detector, Not the Center of Consciousness

According to Taheri, the brain is not the center of consciousness. It is merely a detector of consciousness, which is a vast and complex phenomenon that goes beyond the physical limitations of the brain. Consciousness, according to Taheri, is an intelligent network that extends throughout the universe and encompasses all matter and energy. Everything, including human beings and their brains, is part of this network.

The Body Model: A Unique Perspective on Mind and Brain

Taheri introduces an intriguing model to explain the relationship between mind and brain. Imagine a pyramid with a fluttering flag at its tip. This is the “body model.” The main body entity is represented by the pyramid, while the flag represents the knowing organ, or the mind. This model elucidates that the mind and the knowing organ are not separate but interconnected.

The tip of the collateral conical pyramid represents the essence of the entity's genetics. The flag and the collateral conical pyramid together constitute the bipartite brain, which includes both the mental brain and the genetic brain. The mental brain, or simply the mind, is the locus of perceptual knowing, while the genetic brain is the seat of genetic knowing, which can be explained as emotional and subconscious knowing.

A Reimagining of Consciousness and Brain Hemispheres

Consciousness, or knowing, is not spatially extended, making it nonsensical to discuss a "center" or a "location" for it. However, for those who prefer to use spatial metaphors, the idea of a bipartite consciousness in a bipartite brain can be illustrated. In this model, the two hemispheres of the brain roughly represent the dual nature of consciousness: one hemisphere is more focused on emotions and genetics, while the other is more focused on thoughts and perception.

Interestingly, this hypothesis challenges the traditional view that the entire head is responsible for consciousness. Instead, it proposes that only half of the head is involved in "consciousness" or "apparent consciousness," while the other half is associated with "supra-consciousness" and the causal portion of genetics. The term "subconsciousness" is seen as an inferior metaphor for "supra-consciousness."

Language and the Stable Location of Thoughts

Language, like any other human construct, is influenced by cultural and cognitive biases. Most languages and cultures tend to locate thoughts primarily in the head, possibly due to the association with the brain. However, this is not necessarily a reflection of the actual nature of consciousness but rather a convention that dictionaries and grammars have adopted.

Taheri's model offers a unique and thought-provoking perspective on the relationship between mind and brain. It challenges the boundaries of traditional neurological understanding and opens the door to a more comprehensive and holistic view of consciousness. Whether you agree with his theories or not, they provide a rich source of contemplation and discussion for the ongoing exploration of the nature of consciousness.

Conclusion

While the endocrine and neurological contributors to consciousness are well-documented, the transpersonal and universal dimension of consciousness remains a subject of ongoing speculation and research. By understanding that the brain is not the center of consciousness but rather a detector of it, we can shift our focus to a more inclusive and dynamic view of consciousness. This model not only enhances our understanding of the brain but also invites us to explore the universal intelligence we all share.