What is it like to be the universe?
Filozofija i drustvo January 1, 2025 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.2298/fid2504811m via OpenAlex
Summary
Cosmopsychism suggests that the universe possesses a form of subjectivity, with opinions varying from it being chaotic to highly sophisticated. Mystical experiences may offer insights into this concept, indicating a conscious mind of exceptional quality and potentially a universe filled with multiple cosmic subjects. This intersubjectivity can be viewed through an adapted version of Leibniz's monadology.
Study at a glance
| Key finding | The evidence indicates a conscious mind of extraordinary quality and suggests the existence of many cosmic subjects in the universe. |
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Abstract
Cosmopsychism attributes subjectivity to the universe as a whole. What might that subjectivity be like? There are differing opinions in the philosophical literature, ranging from ?simply a mess? to highly advanced. Mystical experience, if it genuinely brings unity or identity with the universe, could provide some insight. The evidence points to conscious mind of extraordinary quality and perhaps a universe with many cosmic subjects, an intersubjectivity that can be interpreted through the lens of a modified Leibnizian monadology.