UK science centre to probe mysteries of the mind
Key points
- Such are the questions scientists and theologians will attempt to answer at a new study centre that starts experiments into human consciousness in the next few months.
- Greenfield said its time has come because of people's propensity to go against all logic, based on certain beliefs and faiths.
- Scientific knowledge of the brain has advanced enough to offer new approaches to studies of the mind, Greenfield said.
- The Oxford Centre for Science of the Mind (OXSCOM) could be the first of its kind in the world, its founders believe.
Can there be a predisposition for fundamentalism? Do the faithful cope more easily with pain? Are they faster to recover from illness?
Such are the questions scientists and theologians will attempt to answer at a new study centre that starts experiments into human consciousness in the next few months.
The Oxford Centre for Science of the Mind (OXSCOM) could be the first of its kind in the world, its founders believe.
"These are all valid questions," said Susan Greenfield, British neuroscientist and founding director of OXSCOM.
"Saying you're interested in the brain but not in consciousness is now like saying you're interested in the stomach but not in digestion," she told reporters.
For years scientists have viewed the study of consciousness as a trivial sideline, not worthy of serious study, she added.
But increasing acceptance that positive outlooks can encourage well-being have given new credence to the study of the mind, Greenfield said.
OXSCOM has received a $2 million grant for a two-year pilot run from the American-based philanthropic John Templeton Foundation to carry out a range of experiments, some of which will use pain techniques to see if the faithful cope better with pain than non-believers.
Scientists will use chili pepper to burn volunteers' skin, said OXSCOM deputy director Toby Collins.
Then, religious icons or other symbolic artefacts will be shown to them to see if they make a difference in pain perception.
"What we'll be doing is exploring consciousness and particularly how consciousness is shaped and substantiated in the brain, how a belief can trigger or change your consciousness, and how one can affect the other," Greenfield said.
The centre will bring together experts from disciplines as varied as physiology, neuroscience, religion and philosophy.
RESILIENCE OF FAITH
Greenfield said its time has come because of people's propensity to go against all logic, based on certain beliefs and faiths.
She highlighted the rise of fundamentalist beliefs as a concern.
"We are very mindful as to the state of the world as to the strength of beliefs and what that can do for world peace and well-being," she said.
"What is it in the brain that, in the presence of evidence, refutes that evidence?"
Beliefs can be remarkably resilient, even against logic, added Oxford theologian, professor John Brooke, and this merits study.
He used the example of the Asian tsunami disaster to suggest that even a huge tragedy can often fail to force the faithful to flounder in their beliefs. Why is that?
Written and revised by
Gerald Hurowitz, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.
