Lecture Notes: Extended Mind and the Perception of Vision

Introduction

• Key Idea: Critique of materialist thinking that confines brain functions strictly inside the head.
• Broader Context: Introduction to the concept of fields by Michael Faraday and their expansion in modern sciences.

Concept of Fields

• Definition: Fields are regions of influence, often invisible.
• Examples in Nature:
  • Gravitational fields: Extend far beyond the Earth, affecting tides and cosmic bodies.
  • Magnetic fields: Extend beyond physical magnets; visible through iron filings.
  • Electromagnetic fields: Include radio transmissions, pervasive and invisible.

Field Theory in Science

• Historical Development: From Faraday to Einstein's relativity theory.
• Fields in Daily Life: Invisible fields impacting our lives without immediate visibility.

Theory of Vision

• Traditional View: Light enters the eyes, forms images on the retina, processed by the brain.
• Intromission vs. Extramission Theories:
  • Intromission Theory: Light comes into the eyes, images are internal representations.
  • Extramission Theory: Images are projected outwards, where objects are perceived to be.
• Historical Perspectives:
  • Supported by ancient Greeks and developmental psychology findings.
  • Euclid's use of extramission to explain mirrors.

Experiments and Findings

• Contemporary Studies: Conflicting beliefs in extramission found among students.
• Gerald Wier's Studies: Attempts to re-educate students about vision failed long-term.
• Arit Guter's Research: FMRI studies suggest brain perceives gaze as directional force.

The Phenomenon of Scopethesia

• Definition: The feeling or sensation of being stared at.
• Commonality: Widely reported across cultures and ages.
• Directional Nature: Evidence suggests people can often directly sense the source of a gaze.
• Practical Applications:
  • Used in surveillance, martial arts, and predator-prey detection.
• Scientific Replication: Experiments corroborated statistically significant results.

Implications for Mind and Consciousness

• Mind-Field Interface: Suggestion that mind extends beyond the head through fields.
• Phantom Limbs: Possible explanation for the sensation of phantom limbs post-amputation.
• Re-examining Mind Perception: Letting go of traditional brain-bound theories may lead to better understanding.

Conclusion

• Extended Mind Theories: Propose broader definitions of consciousness beyond the brain.
• Research Continuation: Rupert Sheldrake's ongoing research and app development to explore these phenomena further.

Additional Resources

• Contact Information: Rupert Sheldrake invites collaboration and feedback on further studies.
• Further Reading: Access to Sheldrake's work through his website and YouTube channel.