Resources by Scientific Field

A few key findings

Let’s look at key findings from:

 

The incredible discovery of quantum reality, now about a century old, revealed to physicists that the “objective, material world” underpinning what is now called “classical science” is not, at the most fundamental level, comprised of material particles. At the most fundamental level, reality involves bursts of energy whose behavior defies Newtonian laws. Empirical observations at the quantum level precipitated a break-down of classical science that forces a re-thinking of the universe and our place in it. As laid out by Stapp’s Mindful Universe, “the role of human consciousness in the unfolding of reality” is causal and cannot be reduced to material terms. The primary role of consciousness in defining the world was well understood by Max Planck, who won the Nobel Prize for his early work on quantum theory: “I regard consciousness as fundamental. I regard matter as derivative from consciousness” (The Observer, 25 Jan 1931). Similarly, as Sir James Jeans has it, “The universe is much more like a great thought than a great machine.” This means that we are deeply interconnected and can influence each other in ways much more subtle than physical force (for example, “appeal to the heart” of an opponent) and are much more capable of shaping our own destiny than previously thought. Furthermore, as illustrated by Stapp’s Benevolent Universe, quantum mechanical experiments suggest that there are consciousness-based processes that reinforce positive emotional states.

 

The idea that animals exist in a state of endless competition is a gross oversimplification, not to say a bias. Animal behavior, and indeed the entire ecosystem, exhibits many forms of cooperation, of empathy, and even rudimentary forms of peacemaking. Life also shows clear evidence of purpose at nearly every level, indicating that our world is not random.

 

The shift to an emphasis on mind, brain, and consciousness within new science and above all the invention of non-invasive techniques that allow scientists to detect the firing of specific neurons, have led to eye-opening discoveries of brain function and its relationship to conscious experience. Noteworthy among them from the point of view of nonviolence is the discovery of mirror neurons, motor neurons in the brains of higher animals that 'mirror' the actions and intentions of others (i.e. the neural component of empathy), neuroplasticity, the ability of the brain to replace lost cells and reorganize brain tissue in response to experiences, a bit the way muscles can grow with use (or atrophy with the opposite). Neuroscientists like to say today that we are 'wired for empathy'. The physical analogy may be a bit overdrawn - organic matter can't be reduced to 'wiring' - but it certainly brings out how deep in our evolution are the capacities for empathy and other dimensions of nonviolence.

 

Psychologists have developed the concept of positive psychology that turns on wellbeing, which is based on positive emotion, engagement, relationships, meaning and purpose, and accomplishment. By increasing the amount of flourishing in your own life and on the planet, you enhance all five of these elements and thus nourish your wellbeing. Therefore, well-being is a function of our interconnectedness and cannot exist only for yourself; it is a combination of feeling good and actually having meaning, good relationships, and accomplishment. Furthermore, training pro-social behavior can be an effective way to enable individuals to handle personal difficulties and improve social outcomes. In a landmark study by Davitz (1952), children trained to be cooperative were more cooperative after being subjected to frustration. The Davitz study supports the startling conclusion that “priming” can create positive channels through which psychic energy flows, regardless of whether the initial energy was positive or negative.

 

The ‘Darwinian’ model (he never really espoused it) of random mutation and ‘survival of the fittest’ has failed to account for evolution. Such things as moral awareness and cooperation rise throughout the evolutionary process along with the progressive alterations of bodily form. There is no reason to think that this evolution is anywhere near complete.

 

The ‘Darwinian’ model (he never really espoused it) of random mutation and ‘survival of the fittest’ has failed to account for evolution. Such things as moral awareness and cooperation rise throughout the evolutionary process along with the progressive alterations of bodily form. There is no reason to think that this evolution is anywhere near complete.