The evolution of science is marked by significant moments that have led to fundamental shifts in understanding, such as the move from the flat-earth model to recognizing a spherical planet, and the transition from geocentrism to heliocentrism. Neuroscientist Mario Beauregard suggests that we are on the brink of another major shift: a transition from materialist science to post-materialist science, as outlined in his book Expanding Reality: The Emergence of Post-Materialist Science (Iff Books, UK £12.99 / US $19.95, November 2021).

This insightful work serves as a guide for those curious about the future of science and the necessary changes for adopting a new paradigm. It proposes a potentially significant ‘Copernican revolution’ with profound implications for human evolution, fostering a belief that reality encompasses much more than what is perceived through the physical world.

An expanded notion of reality correlates with an expanded consciousness, suggesting a deep connection between the two. Beauregard’s title reflects a hopeful perspective: reality is not only poised for expansion but may already be evolving under the influence of emerging scientific thought.

As a leading advocate for the post-materialist movement, Beauregard provides essential insights into the growing momentum behind this shift. He is a co-author of the Manifesto for a Post-Materialist Science, endorsed by hundreds of scientists, and a founding member of the Academy for the Advancement of Post-Materialist Sciences.

While materialist methodologies have been effective in enhancing our understanding of nature and facilitating technological progress, the overwhelming prevalence of materialism in academia has stifled scientific inquiry into consciousness, the mind, and spirituality, according to Beauregard. Furthermore, numerous societal sectors—politics, education, health, and media—remain entrenched in an outdated mechanistic worldview that needs to be transcended.

Beauregard aspires for his accessible and informative book to liberate readers from the constraints of materialism and broaden their understanding of reality. He argues that the implications of this new scientific perspective could be transformative for individual lives and the future development of humanity, restoring dignity and empowering individuals to explore their potential.

His research has been deeply influenced by significant personal spiritual experiences, which began at age eight, leading him to pursue a career as a scientist dedicated to demonstrating that human essence extends beyond mere brain function. However, he is careful not to present himself as a guru, briefly referencing his spiritual journey to provide context without overshadowing his scientific focus.

Anomalies in Materialist Theories

Beauregard asserts that materialist theories fall short in explaining how the brain generates mental functions and consciousness. Researchers studying consciousness today encounter an ever-growing number of anomalies that challenge materialist frameworks.

A fundamental tenet of post-materialism is the belief that the mind cannot be reduced to physical processes and holds an ontological status equal to that of matter, energy, and space-time. Consciousness does not emerge from matter and cannot be simplified to more basic elements.

Additionally, there exists a profound interconnectedness between the mental realm (psyche) and the physical world (physis). While we often perceive these as separate, psi phenomena demonstrate their intrinsic connection. This unity allows the mind to influence biological and physical systems, impacting the state of the material world.

Beauregard envisions these two realms as complementary aspects of an indivisible whole termed Reality. He posits that a fundamental principle underlies this reality—a transcendental Consciousness that is also immanent and pervasive throughout nature, guiding the development of both physical and non-physical realms.

This notion of universal creative consciousness, in which we participate as individuals and as a collective, stands in stark contrast to a brain-originated physicalist consciousness.

Beauregard acknowledges the influence of philosopher-scientist Bernardo Kastrup, known for advocating monistic idealism and the primacy of consciousness. Beauregard thanks Kastrup for recognizing the significance of Expanding Reality, although he does not elaborate on their relationship or mention Kastrup within the main text.

Beauregard meticulously examines empirical evidence supporting the mind's capacity to influence brain function, genetics, and the psychosomatic network—showing how positive emotions can enhance health and longevity—as well as psi phenomena such as telepathy and precognition.

He also addresses near-death experiences, shared death phenomena, and the implications of reincarnation and transcendent experiences, emphasizing that these occurrences indicate that mind, consciousness, and spirit extend beyond mere neurological activity.

Notably, Beauregard draws from pioneering research conducted by open-minded scientists, making his findings more accessible to the general audience. The book contains over 240 references, adding to its credibility.

The Mind as a Force

Beauregard posits that the mind's ability to act as a force—whether local or non-local—varies among individuals. For optimal effectiveness, the mind must focus like a laser rather than diffuse light. This idea aligns with certain meditation techniques designed to cultivate sustained concentration on specific objects, enhancing mental strength.

Interestingly, this approach echoes the work of English philosopher Colin Wilson, who advocated for expanding consciousness through transcendent experiences as a means of unlocking human potential.

Beauregard stresses that quantum science necessitates a reevaluation of our conceptual understanding of the mind, highlighting the relational dynamics between observer and observed in scientific inquiry.

He critiques those who, despite quantum mechanics undermining the tenets of materialism, continue to cling to outdated beliefs. He describes some defenders of materialism as ‘fundamaterialists’, behaving like zealots to protect their erroneous worldview.

Moreover, he warns against ‘pseudo-skeptics’ who, while claiming to uphold critical thinking, often exhibit closed-mindedness and resist evidence that contradicts materialist doctrine, seeking instead to exert control over public perception.

> Dr. Mario Beauregard, PhD, is currently associated with the Department of Psychology at the University of Arizona. He holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a PhD in neuroscience from the University of Montreal. His postdoctoral work includes fellowships at the University of Texas Medical School and the Montreal Neurological Institute (MNI), McGill University. His research has been featured in the documentary Expanding Reality: The New Science of Consciousness (2017).

> Dr. Beauregard has authored over a hundred publications in neuroscience, psychology, and psychiatry, being the first neuroscientist to use neuroimaging to explore voluntary control related to emotions. His innovative studies on the neurobiology of spiritual experiences, including near-death phenomena, have garnered international attention, culminating in a documentary titled The Mystical Brain (2007).

> He has also published The Spiritual Brain (Harper Collins, 2007) and Brain Wars (Harper Collins, 2012), demonstrating that consciousness and mind extend far beyond mere neural activity, affirming that spirituality is an inherent aspect of humanity that cannot be reduced to physical processes.

> Recognized for his contributions to the neuroscience of consciousness, he was named one of the ‘One Hundred Pioneers of the 21st Century’ by the World Media Net in 2000. He resides in Quebec, Canada.

FOOTNOTE: Colin Wilson, an advocate for scientific research into psi phenomena and the paranormal, argued that a focus solely on physical inquiries has degraded humanity and led to self-destructive tendencies. He believed ordinary consciousness to be incomplete and obscured the truth about reality, aligning closely with contemporary post-materialist views. I reference Wilson's work in my reviews of new literature on consciousness, as his insights have been underappreciated in the context of consciousness studies.

Wilson sought to achieve inner coherence through the pursuit of transcendent experiences, positing that human potential for such experiences exceeds our awareness. He believed that mastering the act of attention could enable consciousness to ‘stand still’.

Inspired by psychologist Abraham Maslow's studies on ‘peak experiences’, Wilson equated the insights of religious figures with peak experiences common to humanity, suggesting they lead toward self-actualization and the discovery of intrinsic values.

Wilson envisioned that human evolution could be glimpsed through art and epiphanic moments, which possess transformative power. For more on Wilson's contributions, visit my Colin Wilson Collection on Medium and my Colin Wilson World website.

You can subscribe to Medium by using this link: https://geoffjward.medium.com/membership