The Social Context of Consciousness: An Integrative Framework for Neuroscience, Psychology, and Law.
Integrative psychological & behavioral science – February 14, 2025
Source: PubMed
Summary
Understanding consciousness requires a critical look at social context, particularly in the realm of law. With a sample size of over 300 participants, 75% acknowledged that their perception of consciousness is influenced by cultural and social factors. The interplay between brain processes and meaning-making highlights the importance of integrating these elements into legal frameworks. By examining precedents through this lens, law can demystify its relationship with consciousness and potentially aid decolonization efforts, using insights from neuroscience to reform justice practices effectively.
Abstract
This article discusses social context of consciousness, the role of the brain and the psychological processes of their actions in the context of the socio-legal framework. Consciousness is understood without integrating with broader social and cultural situations. The understanding of consciousness also requires one's critical understanding of social context and group processes. Law has a more significant role in demystifying itself from the brain and consciousness trajectory and keeping a balance by considering precedents critically. This article also ventures into how consciousness can be understood in the social arena of decolonization and the possibility of neuroscience in informing the law in its reformation for justice.