About this Research Topic
Consciousness and its altered states gained a growing interest during the last decades. While varied theories suggest different experimental approaches, this diversity enriches the field and broadens opportunities for groundbreaking understanding. However, it also makes summarizing the field a complex task, reflecting the vast spectrum of theories that address human consciousness. This is one reason why one of the prevailing theories of consciousness was recently accused of pseudo-scientism, or why the “hard problem” of consciousness could not be solved during the 25-year famous bet between Chalmers and Koch.
Rather than a proliferation of theories not supported by sufficient evidence, this field needs a renovation of the methods and paradigms used to validate the existing theories or their main assumptions. This process would ideally begin with a careful evaluation of the current approaches and frameworks. The theorization and subsequent testing of new protocols should aim at filling the gaps previously assessed. New technologies (e.g., artificial intelligence, EEG and fMRI novel approaches to characterize consciousness) could significantly widen our possibilities for scientific exploration up to unprecedented levels.
The present research topic will delve into consciousness and its altered states, focusing in particular on:
• Tests or comparisons of the current methods and paradigms;
• theorization of novel methods and paradigms;
• experimental testing of new methods and paradigms;
• modeling or simulation of (altered states of) consciousness.
Systematic reviews, meta-analyses, replication, and empirical studies (experiments) are welcomed, focusing on the above-mentioned topics, as well as on specific facets of them (e.g., a core-claim of a theory of consciousness).
Rather than a proliferation of theories not supported by sufficient evidence, this field needs a renovation of the methods and paradigms used to validate the existing theories or their main assumptions. This process would ideally begin with a careful evaluation of the current approaches and frameworks. The theorization and subsequent testing of new protocols should aim at filling the gaps previously assessed. New technologies (e.g., artificial intelligence, EEG and fMRI novel approaches to characterize consciousness) could significantly widen our possibilities for scientific exploration up to unprecedented levels.
The present research topic will delve into consciousness and its altered states, focusing in particular on:
• Tests or comparisons of the current methods and paradigms;
• theorization of novel methods and paradigms;
• experimental testing of new methods and paradigms;
• modeling or simulation of (altered states of) consciousness.
Systematic reviews, meta-analyses, replication, and empirical studies (experiments) are welcomed, focusing on the above-mentioned topics, as well as on specific facets of them (e.g., a core-claim of a theory of consciousness).
Keywords: consciousness research, behavioral evidence, neural correlates, adversarial collaboration, altered states, awareness, EEG, functional MRI, disconnectedness
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