"As to the question of whether consciousness can effect the material world I think you will find that regardless of the underlying truth (whatever that may be) that science at this point in history will be doing their dangdest to discredit that idea. Not for scientific but rather political reasons. The current party line is that this is a material universe with nothing external to it and no correspondence will be entered into and those who deviate from the path shall be mocked and scorned and severely disfellowshipped from the science community. "
Not that it matters, but that's close to my assessment also.
However, it's curious as to why the findings and opinions of scientists, who in these fields are not even at the level of naive wide eyed kindergarten children (though they may well be good at other things in a particular area), be of concern to any but other scientists or those who view life primarily through the big bump on top of the neck, or those who need confirmation from "authority" before feeling secure about something ?
Yet these days it's all about "the science" says this or "the science" says that ... filling the void left by the demise of religion.
When a scientist pronounces something like "new study shows diet and exercise can affect your health", suddenly it's like truth has finally been discovered and verified ! An example of something obvious, that is and always was, true and well known to anyone interested, since humans first began comparing experiences.
"Paranormal" phenomena, questions and practices have been studied for who knows how many thousands of years. They are a fertile field for both charlatanism, imagination, self suggestion and lack of knowledge and critical judgment, as well as truth and semi- truth.
I suspect these days, increasingly, the first part is way ahead.
No doubt exacerbated by the growing number of people who spend most of their time indoors in front of a screen, receiving "life" only through their eyes and ears. Indeed only a "virtual" existence, cutoff from organic life.
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