Pure Consciousness and Indian Buddhism
The Problem of Pure Consciousness March 29, 1990 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.1093/oso/9780195059809.003.0003
Summary
The abstract discusses a debate in philosophical journals regarding a specific type of consciousness known as pure or unmediated consciousness. This discussion has largely been prompted by Steven Katz's argument that such consciousness cannot logically occur and does not actually exist. The terms used to describe this phenomenon include contentless consciousness and pure unmediated experience.
Study at a glance
| Key finding | The debate centers on whether pure unmediated consciousness can logically or factually occur. |
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Abstract
Abstract There has been a good deal of discussion in the philosophical journals recently about the possibility of a special type of consciousness.1 This special kind of consciousness is called, variously, pure consciousness, unmediated consciousness, contentless consciousness, and so forth. Much of the debate has taken place in response to Steven Katz’s attempt to show that such consciousness-which he calls pure unmediated experience (1978:26)-neither logically can nor as a matter of fact does occur.