Answering the question of awareness is humanity’s greatest and oldest quest. In Tucson, we have the cutting-edge University of Arizona Center for Consciousness Studies seeking to better understand human consciousness through broad, integrated processes that blend science with other modalities.
Formed in 1998 from a Fetzer Institute seed grant, it is one of the only centers to promote an out-of-the-box approach by exploring all implications of human consciousness from the scientific to the philosophical, from the spiritual to the arts. It has also furthered innovative research by inspiring other associations to take the same open point of view.
Part of its mission includes organizing the biennial Toward a Science of Consciousness Conferences. Held since 1994, the conferences focus on breakthrough studies of human consciousness from the scientific, psychological and philosophical perspectives. This year includes 17 pre-conference workshops, 12 plenary (keynote) sessions, 21 concurrent talks, two poster sessions, three art-tech interactive sessions and a variety of evening performances.
The 2010 conference will be held April 12-17 at the Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church Ave., and at the Hotel Arizona, 181 W. Broadway Blvd. Over 700 scientists, philosophers, psychologists, artists and other visionaries from 43 countries on six continents will participate in the six day event. Due to its open structured process, the conference hosts a series of workshops that deal with the perception of human consciousness through personal experiences.
While the whole conference is infinitely interesting, following are some of the highlights.
During the “Why Synesthesia Matters” workshop, speakers Sean Day, Patricia Lynne Duffy, Carol Steen, and Maureen Seaberg will talk about their experiences with synesthesia and how it relates to human consciousness.
Synesthesia is a neurological-based condition that joins one or more senses when stimulated by an exterior source. For example, a synesthete (someone who exhibits synesthesia) is able to see sound, feel color, or taste shape, etcetera. It is estimated that one out of 23 people have some form of synesthesia. The workshop will be held on April 13, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. The cost is $75.
At the “Lucid Dreaming: Theory and Practice” workshop, psychologist Stephen LeBarge, Ph.D., will explain lucid dreaming and its impact on consciousness. He will teach techniques to induce, maintain and control lucid dreaming to aid you in your exploration of consciousness through personal experiences. The workshop will be held on April 12, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and is $75.
In the “From Dualism to Mindfulness: Biofeedback and Consciousness” workshop, Professor Keya Maitra and Connie Schrader will explore how biofeedback technology and mindfulness techniques can demonstrate the connections between physiology, cognition and behavior.
Biofeedback is the act of using a device to monitor heart rate, brain activity, body temperature, sweat gland activity and other automatic bodily functions. When these functions are consciously monitored they can be controlled and modified through awareness, changing thought patterns and unconscious emotional reactions. Maitra and Schrader will explain different mindful techniques that can help you change your automatic reactions to ingrained patterns of consciousness. The workshop is April 12, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., for $75.
For a complete list of workshops and presenters, registration and more information about the conference’s offerings, visit Consciousness.Arizona.edu or call 621-9317.
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