The old question of the relation between body and mind recently has been reopened (Gamper 2017) by an attempt to show that the body possibly could affect a non-physical mind indirectly via an interface between the two ontological domains. This possibility was discovered as a result of a redefinition of the classical Principle of the causal closure of the physical universe. In the redefinition a universe is causally closed if it is not causally affected by anything from another universe. This definition of causal closure thus permits something in a universe to cause something that is not in a universe. Since something that is not in a universe is allowed to cause something in another universe that is causally closed, two causally closed universes can be causally linked via an interface between them. Interfaces can be seen as coming in two versions. One kind of interface is caused by a universe and is in turn causing another universe. The other kind of interface is caused by a universe but is not causing another universe. This can be exemplified with the eventuality that a platonic mathematical universe has caused the original singularity inside the Big Bang whereas the physical universe causes singularities inside black holes. If such singularities really are interfaces, the Big Bang singularity causes the physical universe whereas black hole singularities do not cause the mathematical universe. These two kinds of interfaces ― ‘vertical’ and ‘horizontal’ interfaces ― may constitute a conceptual basis for a potential interaction between two separate ontological realms.
If body and mind are two separate ontological realms we could argue that the body does not have any conscious contents. To, for example, see something, as in having a visual experience, would require a mind. If consciousnesses, however, is a vertical interface, having mind in mind would require something more – self consciousness – something that more likely would be a horizontal interface rather than a vertical one. This is new territory. Welcome with your submission to one or more of the conferences!
Reference
Gamper, J. On a Loophole in Causal Closure. Philosophia 45, 631–636 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11406-016-9791-y.
Interstellar variations 6-8: Phenomenological, Physical & Neuropsychological Considerations. In-Person Conferences 2023 in Stockholm, Sweden, August 3-5, September 7-9 & October 5-7 respectively. Abstracts should be sent to causal.objects@gmail.com with deadline Jan/Feb/Mar 5 respectively, 2023. Please prepare a max 1000 words abstract (PDF) based on the paper Metaphysics uniting theology and science ― back to the basics (as in back to the basic assumptions), and corresponding literature. Information regarding acceptance should be expected before Jan/Feb/Mar 17 respectively.
Fee: €1470 (ex. VAT) per conference.
Registration
Opens Jan/Feb/Mar 18 respectively, 2023
Closes Feb/Mar/Apr 17 respectively, 2023
Register by mail to causal.objects@gmail.com.
Payment
You will receive an invoice by email after registration.
Venue
Leap AB, Kungsgatan 8, Stockholm, Sweden
Conference organizer
Subrosa KB
Postal address: Subrosa KB, Albatrossvägen 104, 13666, Vendelsö, Sweden.
Visiting address: Kungsgatan 8, Stockholm, Sweden.
Website: karlpu.org
Questions are welcome to johan.gamper@karlpu.org.
Subrosa KB 