Merleau-Ponty and Cognitive Neuroscience in the Study of Non-Dual Consciousness

Olga Louchakova, Merlin Lucas, Maria Kozhevnikov

This workshop will critically review the cognitive neuroscience, semantic, and phenomenological studies applicable to the research of non-dual consciousness, aiming at formulating a transdisciplinary research methodology capable of adequately capturing this complex phenomenon. We will discuss the limitations of the Skinner-Pavlov based, as well as Eurocentric scientific perspectives in regard to present and prospective studies of non-dual consciousness. Then, we will introduce the theoretical foundations of a systemic approach to the study of non-dual consciousness based on the works of Merleau-Ponty and Giorgi, in dialogue with the generally known neurophenomenological perspective. Specifically, we will focus on:
- Experiencing and understanding the phenomenon of non-dual consciousness, via the set of Vedanta-based contemplative practices, as a first person research method;
- Understanding the relationship between representational semantic and non-representational constructs of non-dual consciousness, including the topological shifts of meaning in the process of generating it;
- Introducing psycho-semantic (linguistic) mapping of the non-dual consciousness;
- Articulating the principles of Merleau-Ponty’s phenomenological approach;
-  reviewing electrophysiological studies and research designs including those with linear and non-linear variables in the analysis of EEG obtained during non-dual experience;
- reviewing studies of influence of meditation/non-dual awareness on cognition;
- Integrating these first, second and third person methodologies in a cross-disciplinary research design that honors the dynamic and structural nature of lived experience.

Copyright © 2008 The Hong Kong Polytechnic University School of Design