Annaka describes the evolution of her thinking over the course of working on this documentary series. She elaborates further on ways we might expand our methods of scientific experiment, while laying out her prediction about a scientific paradigm shift that is possibly underway.

From the perspective of physics, the fundamental stuff of the universe still eludes us, especially if we try to fit the findings of quantum mechanics into a traditional conception of matter and energy. From the perspective of neuroscience, we’ve learned that the world “out there” is not a direct perception, and our perceptions may have even evolved to hide the truth from us, as Donald Hoffman argues. And then from the perspective of the philosophy of mind, Annaka’s own research, reading, and further thinking leads her to believe that consciousness is more likely a fundamental property than an emergent one. But how might the sciences attempt to move forward with the hypothesis that consciousness is fundamental? Can we ever conceivably acquire evidence or validate it experimentally?

Annaka—initially skeptical about the significance of subjective experiences in meditation—was surprised to find these experiences can sometimes reveal deeper insights into scientific truth. Through her collaboration with neuroscientists, she learned how our perceptions of reality are largely indirect, often described as "controlled hallucinations," according to Anil Seth. However, disciplined attention to our immediate experiences can sometimes alter our perceptions of space, time, and self, offering a potentially clearer view of reality. This leads her down a path of jaw-dropping exploration about the true nature of space and time.

Tools like microscopes uncover vast worlds that were previously hidden from us—we could hardly grasp the reality of invisible organisms before the microscope allowed us to perceive them, let alone the realms that have been revealed through telescopes and particle colliders. What tools might we discover in the future to help us reach beyond the familiar experimental neuroscience we have relied on so far?

Philosophy and science share a common commitment: seeking truth, along with a willingness to upend one’s intuitions in order to accept an answer that might feel uncomfortable or counterintuitive. The relationship between philosophy and science is like a dance—philosophy poses questions that help steer the science, and science makes discoveries that inform or overturn the philosophy.

In Chapter 2, Annaka speaks with philosopher Philip Goff and astrophysicist Adam Frank about the implications of the controversial question: Is consciousness fundamental? Listen to the full audio documentary here: https://lightsondocumentary.com