The Taboo of Subjectivity : Toward a New Science of Consciousness

This book takes a bold new look at ways of exploring the nature, origins, and potentials of consciousness within the context of science and religion. Alan Wallace draws careful distinctions between four elements of the scientific tradition: science itself, scientific realism, scientific materialism, and scientism. Arguing that the metaphysical doctrine of scientific materialism has taken on the role of ersatz-religion for its adherents, he traces its development from its Greek and Judeo-Christian origins, focusing on the interrelation between the Protestant Reformation and the Scientific Revolution. He looks at scientists' long term resistance to the firsthand study of consciousness and details the ways in which subjectivity has been deemed taboo within the scientific community. In conclusion, Wallace draws on William James's idea for a "science of religion" that would study the nature of religious and, in particular, contemplative experience. In exploring the nature of consciousness, this groundbreaking study will help to bridge the chasm between religious belief and scientific knowledge. It is essential reading for philosophers and historians of science, scholars of religion, and anyone interested in the relationship between science and religion This Book Takes A New Look At Ways Of Exploring The Nature, Origins, And Potentials Of Consciousness Within The Context Of Science And Religion. Alan Wallace Draws Careful Distinctions Between Four Elements Of The Scientific Tradition: Science Itself, Scientific Realism, Scientific Materialism, And Scientism. Arguing That The Metaphysical Doctrine Of Scientific Materialism Has Taken On The Role Of Ersatz-religion For Its Adherents, He Traces Its Development From Its Greek And Judeo-christian Origins, Focusing On The Interrelation Between The Protestant Reformation And The Scientific Revolution. Wallace Argues That The Metaphysical Principles Of Scientific Materialism Have Long Impeded Scientific Research Into Subjective States Of Awareness, Including The Nature Of Consciousness Itself. Drawing On The Writings Of William James, Hilary Putnam, Augustine, And Indian Buddhist Contemplatives Such As Buddhaghosa, Asanga, And Padmasambhava, He Presents A Theoretical Framework And Mode Of Inquiry Into Human Consciousness That Combines Both Extraspective And Introspective Methods Of Research. In Exploring The Nature Of Consciousness, This Study Will Help To Bridge The Chasm Between Religious Belief And Scientific Knowledge. It Is Essential Reading For Philosophers And Historians Of Science, Scholars Of Religion, And Anyone Interested In The Relationship Between Science And Religion.--jacket. B. Alan Wallace. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 197-208) And Index. Focusing on the relation between science and religion this work argues that, for its adherents, scientific naturalism has become an ersatz religion, with scientism as its fundamentalist branch. The author brings to bear the ideas of Buddhism about the ultimate non-duality of subject and object. Since the Scientific Revolution, claims have been made about science and on behalf of science that include not only scientific but philosophical and theological assertions.