Mysteries of Consciousness

Near-Death Experiences

Does an Afterlife Obviously Exist?

Sharon Hewitt Rawlette Ph.D. on April 29, 2022

A new release in philosophy argues from four well-established facts about near-death experiences that life after death is "empirically certain."

A new release in philosophy argues from four well-established facts about near-death experiences that life after death is "empirically certain."

Cognition

Are Paranormal Beliefs a Result of Lazy Thinking?

Sharon Hewitt Rawlette Ph.D. on February 15, 2022

A new study suggests that the correlation observed in the West between low Cognitive Reflection Test scores and paranormal belief is culturally mediated, not directly causal.

A new study suggests that the correlation observed in the West between low Cognitive Reflection Test scores and paranormal belief is culturally mediated, not directly causal.

Memory

Seeking Meaning in Suffering

Sharon Hewitt Rawlette Ph.D. on March 23, 2020

When suffering threatens to become overwhelming, small moments can provide redemptive glimpses of another level of reality.

When suffering threatens to become overwhelming, small moments can provide redemptive glimpses of another level of reality.

Dreaming

Uncomfortable Coincidences

Sharon Hewitt Rawlette Ph.D. on March 6, 2020

Like dreams, coincidences can confront us with parts of ourselves we’d rather ignore. But recognizing them can lead to increased psychological health.

Like dreams, coincidences can confront us with parts of ourselves we’d rather ignore. But recognizing them can lead to increased psychological health.

Spirituality

Are Coincidences Signs From God?

Sharon Hewitt Rawlette Ph.D. on February 5, 2020

Coincidences aren't always what they seem. Here are two essential things to keep in mind before embracing any event as a direct line to the divine.

Coincidences aren't always what they seem. Here are two essential things to keep in mind before embracing any event as a direct line to the divine.

Cognition

Seeing the Same Word Over and Over?

Sharon Hewitt Rawlette Ph.D. on December 9, 2019

One psychologist's experiment indicates some word coincidences may be due to more than just chance.

One psychologist's experiment indicates some word coincidences may be due to more than just chance.

Dreaming

Can Dreams Predict Death?

Sharon Hewitt Rawlette Ph.D. on December 3, 2019

A controlled study of death-related dreams suggests they can—sort of.

A controlled study of death-related dreams suggests they can—sort of.

Beauty

The Reality of Inner Experience and Why It Matters

Sharon Hewitt Rawlette Ph.D. on October 14, 2019

The qualities of conscious experience show that the universe contains vastly more than what's accessible to physics.

The qualities of conscious experience show that the universe contains vastly more than what's accessible to physics.

Deception

Why It's Simpler to Believe That Everything Is Conscious

Sharon Hewitt Rawlette Ph.D. on September 17, 2019

A closer look shows the classic version of physicalism is not the most parsimonious theory of reality.

A closer look shows the classic version of physicalism is not the most parsimonious theory of reality.

Bias

Are Your Number Coincidences Significant?

Sharon Hewitt Rawlette Ph.D. on August 27, 2019

Use this test to determine whether you’re really seeing a certain number more often than chance.

Use this test to determine whether you’re really seeing a certain number more often than chance.

Synchronicity

Mind Over Matter

Sharon Hewitt Rawlette Ph.D. on August 16, 2019

Strange coincidences between our thoughts and external events happen. Could something more than chance be at work?

Strange coincidences between our thoughts and external events happen. Could something more than chance be at work?

Spirituality

Are Near-Death Experiences Just Comforting Illusions?

Sharon Hewitt Rawlette Ph.D. on August 8, 2019

Some NDEs include perceptions of events that have been independently verified, suggesting these experiences have some basis in reality.

Some NDEs include perceptions of events that have been independently verified, suggesting these experiences have some basis in reality.

Dreaming

Is Life a Dream?

Sharon Hewitt Rawlette Ph.D. on July 31, 2019

More than the idle worry of skeptical philosophers, the answer to this question may have major empirical consequences.

More than the idle worry of skeptical philosophers, the answer to this question may have major empirical consequences.

Decision-Making

What If Consciousness Comes First?

Sharon Hewitt Rawlette Ph.D. on July 22, 2019

Bridging the mind-body gap is going to require a fundamental shift in perspective. Here’s why, and what we stand to gain.

Bridging the mind-body gap is going to require a fundamental shift in perspective. Here’s why, and what we stand to gain.