What Is PSI

[Laird]

Thanks. My first thought was that people could find things in that definition to argue about, particularly free will. But I wonder whether the list of attributes is really necessary for the purpose of defining psi. 

For example, if we could imagine a consciousness devoid of emotion, and that consciousness could interact with other minds and/or the physical environment in an unexplained way, would the lack of emotion disqualify that interaction from being psi? I don't think so.

I think probably the same thing goes for "personal". Could we just (for the purpose of defining psi) replace the word "mind" with "consciousness"?

Sure, we could do that.

P.S. I intended that the words in parentheses were seen as optional, but preferred.

Sure, we could do that.

P.S. I intended that the words in parentheses were seen as optional, but preferred.

Just looking at your post on "self-stultification" reminds me of how complicated these technical arguments about consciousness can be, so I apologise if that suggestion amounts to throwing the baby out with the bathwater. I'm afraid I tend to be very simple-minded about these things.

[Laird]

Just looking at your post on "self-stultification" reminds me of how complicated these technical arguments about consciousness can be, so I apologise if that suggestion amounts to throwing the baby out with the bathwater. I'm afraid I tend to be very simple-minded about these things.

It's fine. I think that to some extent it's a matter of personal definition. I personally prefer to reserve "consciousness" for the brute, basic reality of sentience; of being aware of anything, and to use "mind" to refer to consciousness PLUS the stuff that can be done with or by consciousness - remembering, thinking, communicating, etc. If you prefer not to distinguish like that, then that's OK by me. So long as we understand one another's definitions.