IONS is pleased to announce the winners of the 2024 Linda G. O’Bryant Noetic Sciences Research Prize! Three prizes were awarded for reviews comparing theories of non-local consciousness (NC), defined as extending beyond the brain and body, potentially influencing the physical world at a distance.
First Place – $50,000
Theories of Non-local Consciousness: A Review and Framework for Building Rigour
Michael Daw and Chris Roe
In recent decades, significant scientific effort has been directed toward understanding consciousness, with most work adhering to physicalist theories that equate mind with brain activity. These theories often depict consciousness either as an illusion or a byproduct of physical processes. However, despite advancements, consciousness remains a profound mystery, as highlighted by the unresolved debate between notable figures such as Koch and Chalmers. This review challenges the physicalist paradigm by presenting strong evidence for ‘anomalous’ phenomena like free will, psychophysiological phenomena, acquired savantism, psychic experiences, and post-mortem survival, arguing that acceptance of these phenomena would invalidate physicalism.
Non-local consciousness (NLC) theories present a compelling alternative, suggesting that consciousness extends beyond the brain and traditional spatial-temporal constraints. The review critically examines promising NLC theories across philosophical classifications such as dualism, idealism, and dual-aspect monism. It evaluates theories like field consciousness, hyperspatial models, quantum consciousness, cosmopanpsychism, and idealism, assessing their strengths, weaknesses, and potential to explain the aforementioned anomalous phenomena. Additionally, the review suggests empirical tests to refine or reject these theories and advocates for leveraging parapsychological research to build more rigorous and testable NLC theories, ultimately enhancing our understanding of consciousness beyond the limitations of physicalism.
View the authors’ winning essay
Second Place – $30,000
The Arcane Nexus. Assessing the Roots of Non-local Consciousness
Michael Nahm
Psi phenomena offer compelling empirical evidence for non-local consciousness (NLC) and are crucial for developing comprehensive theories in this area. While some theories of NLC don’t explicitly address psi phenomena, only those that incorporate aspects like psychokinesis are considered truly promising. This essay expands on previous work, proposing a synthetic theory that integrates various NLC theories, highlighting their historical commonalities and the notion of an “arcane nexus,” a non-physical realm linking individuals. It outlines the applicability of different philosophical “isms” and reviews various psi theories, from indigenous traditions to modern thinkers like David Bohm and Dean Radin, comparing their strengths and weaknesses.
The essay then delves into a parapsychological synthesis, emphasizing the need to address different forms of causation—such as wholeness, final, and mental causation—often neglected in current theories of psi and NLC. It argues that understanding these phenomena requires moving beyond reductionist notions of causation toward more holistic, top-down approaches seen in innovative branches of biology. Finally, it proposes ways to empirically test specific aspects of these theories and offers suggestions for future research directions, aiming to deepen our understanding of consciousness and its non-local manifestations.
View the author’s winning essay
Third Place – $20,000
Breaking the Boundaries of the Brain
Cameron Alldredge
The introduction clarifies ‘non-local consciousness’ (NC) as a concept challenging the traditional, brain-centered views of consciousness, suggesting that consciousness might extend beyond the brain and our five senses. Historically, consciousness has been viewed as a mere byproduct of brain activity. This review aims to synthesize and evaluate the various NC theories for a general audience, outlining the organizational structure of the discussion.
The review progresses through several sections: a historical narrative of NC theories from ancient to modern times, including definitions and visual timelines; an exploration of major NC theories spanning quantum mechanics, field consciousness, panpsychism, dual-aspect monism, and parapsychological perspectives; a comparative analysis identifying commonalities, differences, and empirical robustness; the empirical implications and potential research methods, emphasizing the need for multidisciplinary collaboration; and philosophical and societal implications of embracing NC. The conclusion synthesizes key findings and reflects on the broader implications and future potential of NC research in advancing our understanding of consciousness.
View the author’s winning essay
Chris Roe, PhD, is a distinguished researcher at the University of Northampton, specializing in the field of parapsychology. He holds a PhD in psychology and has extensively studied the nature of consciousness, particularly focusing on non-local consciousness and paranormal phenomena. Roe is renowned for his empirical approach to exploring these areas, integrating rigorous scientific methods with an open-minded investigation of extraordinary human experiences. He has authored numerous publications and is a respected figure in the academic community for his contributions to understanding the broader dimensions of consciousness.
Michael Nahm, PhD, is a pioneering researcher dedicated to exploring the frontiers of biology. With a PhD in biology, Nahm focuses on unconventional and groundbreaking areas within the biological sciences, including the study of anomalous phenomena and their implications for our understanding of life and consciousness. His work often intersects with parapsychology, examining phenomena that challenge traditional scientific paradigms. Nahm is known for his thorough and innovative research methods, contributing valuable insights and expanding the boundaries of contemporary biological science. He has published extensively and is highly regarded for his interdisciplinary approach and commitment to advancing knowledge in this emerging field.
Dr. Cameron Alldredge, PhD, is a psychologist currently studying at Baylor University, with a keen focus on consciousness studies. His research delves into the intricacies of human consciousness, exploring the nature of awareness, perception, and the cognitive processes underlying conscious experience. Dr. Alldredge is particularly interested in the intersections between consciousness and mental health, investigating how states of consciousness can influence psychological well-being. His work in this field is distinguished by numerous publications and presentations at professional conferences, contributing significantly to our understanding of the mind and its complexities.
