The emergence of cognition from consciousness: A Vedic-Upaniṣadic perspective

Indian philosophy, particularly the Vedas and Upaniṣads, presents consciousness as a fundamental, non-reducible principle underlying perception and cosmic order, not as an emergent property of neural computation. The Vedic view is cosmological and sacrificial, centered on Ṛta (cosmic order) and the interconnectedness of individual and universe. The Upaniṣads deepen this with Ātman and Brahman as the basis of consciousness. Concepts like chit, prajñā, manas, buddhi, and vijñāna describe cognition as an organized, discriminative process arising from pure consciousness. The research argues this framework anticipates contemporary discussions in cognitive science and philosophy of mind, particularly on self-consciousness, intentionality, and the observer–observed relationship, contradicting purely computational or materialist theories of mind.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Indian philosophy offers one of the earliest and most profound enquiries into consciousness and cognition. The Vedic understanding of consciousness is fundamentally cosmological and sacrificial, highlighting Ṛta (cosmic order) and the interconnectedness of the individual and the universe. The Upaniṣads expand on this foundation by providing a deeper metaphysical exploration, centring on Ātman and Brahman as the fundamental basis of consciousness. The research examines fundamental notions such as chit, prajñā, manas, buddhi, and vijñāna to delineate the development of cognition as an organised, discriminative process originating from pure consciousness. Consciousness in early Vedic texts is discussed as a fundamental and non-reducible principle underlying perception and order, rather than as an emergent property of neural computation. The study explores the conceptual transition from consciousness to cognition within the Vedic and Upaniṣadic traditions through the lens of contemporary cognitive science. It emphasises the ability of the Vedic-Upanishadic framework to anticipate current discussions in cognitive science and philosophy of mind, particularly in relation to self-consciousness, intentionality, and the observer–observed relationship, by placing these concepts within their textual and philosophical contexts. The research finds that the Vedas and Upanishads offer a complete view where consciousness is the main idea and cognition is a way of shaping consciousness, which goes against purely computational or materialist ideas about the mind.