ScienceAugust 16, 2026

panpsychism

pan-SY-kiz-um

Definition

The philosophical view that consciousness or mind is a fundamental, universal property present in all things, rather than being exclusive to complex biological brains.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek words 'pan' (all) and 'psyche' (soul or mind). It was coined in the 19th century to describe the idea that all matter possesses mental characteristics.

In the news

The article uses panpsychism as a non-materialist theory that Christof Koch suggests researchers should reconsider to better explain the nature of consciousness.

Hotter water? Neuroscientist Christof Koch plans to study NDEs

Read the full article ↗

Walter Bradley Center for Natural and Artificial Intelligence

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