The 2016 State of Consciousness Research

This article was instigated by samim, inspired by the great discussions had at the last Google solve-for-x European meeting with Ville Vesterinen, Mikko Jarvenpaa, and Mihai Streza, and informed by the 11th Swiss Biennale on Science, Technics, and Aesthetics, whose speakers were Prof. Dr. Christof Koch, Prof. Dr. Sir Roger Penrose, Dr. Luis Eduardo Luna, Dr. Matthieu Ricard, Dr. Fritjof Capra, Prof. Dr. Ernst Peter Fischer, and Dr. Thupten Jinpa Langri.
For a general overview into all aspects of consciousness, read here.

Consciousness is a fascinating topic, and very controversial. The quest for understanding Consciousness requires us to look inside of ourselves, and confronting our private experiences. The subject generates strong views and lively arguments. It is difficult to find common ground. Nevertheless, consciousness can be studied rigorously, and at the same time fully appreciated as an experience.

Let’s get this straight out of the way:
Can we ever understand consciousness?
Yes, and probably within the next decade.
How? There are 3 main approaches:

• The Western Scientific Method,
• The Eastern Self Examination, and
• The Amerindian Internal Observation.