Throughout history, humans have sought spiritual experiences to find meaning, solace, or answers to life’s complexities. In religious settings, particularly in charismatic gatherings, phenomena such as people falling to the ground, rolling over, or convulsing after being touched or waved at by religious figures have been reported across many traditions. While believers may interpret these occurrences as signs of divine intervention, the underlying reasons behind these phenomena could be deeply rooted in psychological, neurological, and social factors.

The nature of consciousness has perplexed humans for millennia. While traditional science has viewed consciousness as an emergent property of neural networks, pioneering research in quantum biology and neuroscience is challenging this assumption, suggesting that consciousness may arise from quantum processes happening inside our brains. The profound implications of this theory extend beyond biology, potentially connecting the mind to the universe itself.

This philosophical article critically examines Ayurveda, highlighting its classification as a pseudoscientific practice and questioning its place in modern medicine. By integrating both Indian and Western philosophical perspectives, the article contributes to the broader discourse on tradition versus empirical science. It challenges the authority of ancient knowledge in the face of modern scientific rigor, while also exploring the potential for dialogue between holistic practices and evidence-based medicine. This work adds depth to the literature on alternative medicine, skepticism, and the philosophy (...) of science, encouraging critical reflection on the role of Ayurveda today. (shrink)

Augmented Reality (AR), driven by Artificial Intelligence (AI), is transforming how we interact with the world. Recent technologies, like AI-powered smart glasses, are increasingly blending the physical and digital realms. While AR presents exciting new possibilities, it also raises deeper philosophical questions about what we consider reality.

Different philosophers from ancient Greek philosophers to contemporary thinkers tried to present unique views on consciousness. But what consciousness actually is remains unknown. Scientists today study neural firing patterns, neurotransmitters, fMRI scans map neural constellations and brain circuits. Yet, the bridge between neurons and the fragrance of rain or the taste of chocolate remains elusive. How does a network of cells conjure the magic of qualia? This makes the hard problem of consciousness. In this situation, emergent illusionism proposes a new (...) paradigm for the hard problem of Consciousness. (shrink)