Interpretations of Consciousness
Toronto Journal of Theology October 1, 2024 Louis Roy
Ordinary and mystical consciousness share similarities but also differ in important ways. Two current views of ordinary consciousness are explained and contrasted, followed by two views of mystical consciousness. Daniel Dennett's materialistic reduction of mental phenomena to a biological substratum is discussed; many critics consider his stance a mere postulate taken for granted, though his system is well argued. The article uses a clarificatory dialectic, illustrated by contrasts, and draws on constructive expositions from various authors, with Canadian philosopher-theologian Bernard Lonergan given prominence. It compares thinkers who are rarely analyzed together.