Introduction the Atma Paradigm

We present this as a philosophical framework – albeit one which is science-consistent.  All current explanations of reality, including the origins of the universe, the nature of matter, the phenomena of life and consciousness are philosophical in nature, in that we are obliged to suggest causes which are beyond the purview of the scientific method – not just because of the limitations of present-day technologies – but because the postulations involve circumstances or concepts which can never be tested, even theoretically.
 
The scientific process has been the most successful method for humans to accumulate reliable information and build consensus on much of the workings of the world around us. But, inevitably it reaches its limits. At that point, it is reasonable to invoke explanations that enable us to make sense of that what may lie beyond the empirical boundary. If our idea can then be developed into a testable proposition, it deserves the status as a scientific theory. However, if the explanation entails concepts which are untestable in essence, then the proposition cannot be considered as 'scientific'.
 
Common postulations posing as 'scientific' include citing chance in terms of random, non-causal interactions; the assertion of ex-nihilo origins; and the invocation of emergent properties without causal demonstration. These concepts are anti-science, because they reject causal effect and explanation; they deny testability; and they discourage further research on the subject. At best, you may term them philosophical approaches – but philosophy has its own standards and these notions don’t stand the scrutiny.
 
So, we have many of the big questions of our time being answered by non-scientific, rather naive philosophy that fails to account for crucial aspects of accepted empirical evidence and denies any effort to broaden the paradigm. By applying the single philosophical world-view of physicalism as the only valid framework within which to interpret scientific data, we have allowed science to become subservient to a specific dogma with no greater claim to the truth than a belief system.
 
We contend that science is so vital for human progress to be the prerogative of any particular philosophy or set of beliefs. Centuries ago, we hoped that scientific knowledge would stand on its own free from the control of religion or ideology. To have the doctrine of physicalism as the predominant, even sole, philosophical interpretation of scientific evidence is to the detriment of science and what it offers humanity.
 
Neither, as we shall see, does physicalism interpret the evidence comprehensively or consistently. It leaves too many anomalies and tries to paper over gaps by constant reliance on its non-testable notions of randomness, infinity and magical emergent properties.
 
On this website, we do not question reputable scientific data and evidence. But we do query the poor logic and interpretation that is applied to such evidence in the name of science. Instead, the Atma Paradigm applies sound logic to reputable scientific data to builds its thesis. It demonstrates its ability to be consistent with empirical evidence across many fields of study. Whether or not you choose to accept it as a definite description of reality, the model offers incredible scope for utility in physics, biology, neuroscience, psychology etc. It reveals new insights into anomalous phenomena. It offers predictions for study and experimentation.
 
So, although, the core postulation involving consciousness is an axiom and hence beyond the empirical method (as all theories of consciousness necessarily are), the model that is produced from the postulation is both philosophically sound and consistent with science in its application and explanatory power.
 
And, perhaps just as importantly, it allows us a model of reality and our existence that supports a sense of self, freewill and the intuitive values we place on higher human qualities such as compassion, love and purpose.

See Overview for further information