lar configurations of matter and energy, such as what occurs in living
organisms.Our consciousness is our most salient experience; it is the only thing
we truly know firsthand. Everything comes to us by way of our con-
scious experience. How can we continue to move forward with its in-
vestigation? I suggest sticking with the scientific method of empirical
observation and experiment, while maintaining a broadened stance
in which nothing is left out, including questioning the metaphysical
framework itself. Here are several trajectories:- Continued direct investigation of the brain, body, and life, using and ex-
tending the ideas and methods already in play (as described in this book) - Refined analysis of mental experience, drawing from the tools of con-
templative traditions, and in particular the current dialogue between sci-
ence and Buddhism - Radically empirical extensions of research in biology and psychology,
honoring all the data, no matter how weird, especially if it bears directly
on the mind-matter connection - Appreciating that the next truly big scientific revolution may involve
deep connection between fundamental physics and consciousness, so
look for opportunities to investigate such connections
All four of these trajectories are currently under way, some more so
than others. I anticipate there to be radically unexpected findings
within each of them.
- Continued direct investigation. Progress in understanding bodies,
nervous systems, and brains has been impressive. Some of this has
been described in this book, and this corpus of knowledge can be ex-
pected to grow ever larger. Ambitious projects to map structure and
functional connectivity in the human brain are under way. Another