Infomania

The article "Infomania" by Steve Minett critiques the dominant Cartesian-Newtonian (Car-Ton) worldview in scientific consciousness studies, which largely dismisses consciousness as an epiphenomenon of information processing in the brain. Minett argues that this reductionist view, championed by thinkers like Daniel Dennett and Steven Pinker, overlooks the significance of energetic processes, which he believes are fundamental to the emergence of consciousness. The author contends that the rigid adherence to the information-processing model impoverishes our understanding of consciousness, particularly by disregarding the role of qualia and emotional affect. Minett proposes an alternative ontology influenced by quantum physics and Alfred North Whitehead’s process philosophy, which allows for a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of consciousness that integrates both information processing and energetic processes.

  • Understand the critique of the Cartesian-Newtonian worldview in the context of consciousness studies.

  • Explain the concept of "infomania" as it relates to the dismissal of consciousness in modern scientific thought.

  • Analyze the limitations of the information-processing model of the mind, particularly in the works of Daniel Dennett and Steven Pinker.

  • Discuss the role of qualia and emotional affect in the emergence of consciousness, as proposed by Steve Minett.

  • Evaluate the alternative ontology based on quantum physics and Alfred North Whitehead's process philosophy.

  • Explore the implications of this alternative ontology for the understanding of consciousness and its integration into scientific discourse.

Content

    1. “Infomania” An Ontological Block to Understanding Consciousness by Steve Minett

    2. Infomania Quiz

    1. The Neuropsychotherapist Volume 7 Issue 2

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