Rupert Spira Jul 2, 2023 In this conversation about the hard problem of consciousness a questioner asks how we can know that consciousness is not an emergent phenomenon. And how can we say that consciousness is infinite and eternal? Rupert says that in order to be be rigorous, scientific and philosophical we have to subject that theory to the scrutiny of experience. And if it doesn’t stand up to scrutiny, you modify your theory — that is the scientific process. So, in order to validate this we would have to see or experience consciousness emerging from matter. But nobody has ever had that experience nor could they. These facts can be verified by all 7 billion people. Any other theory in science that had so little evidence would be trashed. But in an extraordinary departure from the norm scientists, in relation to this one topic, don’t change their theory in line with the evidence. That goes against the very method of science itself. If your theory doesn’t stand up to the scrutiny of experience, you don’t dig your heels in and just believe your theory. That’s called religion. *This video is taken from one of Rupert’s weekly webinars. Join here: ▸ https://rupertspira.com/events/webinar Timestamps 0:00 The Hard Problem Of Consciousness 0:42 Scientific Investigation Of Consciousness 1:44 Does Consciousness Emerge From Matter? 3:14 Why Materialism Is Wrong 4:15 Going Against The Scientific Method 4:25 Science Or Religion? 6:17 An Experiential Model Of Reality 6:54 Is Consciousness Infinite? 7:30 What Is Awareness? 8:55 Describing Consciousness 9:50 How To Define Consciousness 10:55 Is Consciousness Eternal? 13:37 Understanding Based On Experience 14:02 Understanding Is Not Rational 14:36 A Theory Of Everything 15:10 One Consciousness 16:05 What Is Love?