nuances of consciousness

Consciousness is arguably the most debated topic in the history of philosophy. It would seem that as our undestanding of the brain and how it functions increases, our uncertainty in this field would diminish. This is not the case, however. The last century alone has seen great improvements in the fields of neuroanatomy and neurophysics; but, due to the strict, proof-driven nature of science, the study of consciousness has met many overwhelming obstacles. There are as of yet very few measurable values, and chaos seems to dominate, leaving the scientific community frustrated and unsure that consciousness will ever be fully understood. Countless theories on the neural correlate of consciousness have filled volumes through the past century with the birth and considerable growth of neurology. Much has recently been discovered about the physical and chemical aspects of the brain, yet consciousness itself remains a mystery. Nonetheless, we have figured out ways to alter consciousness through various means. In the end, Yoga experts and drug addicts both strive for the same thing.... The Dreamachine offers another way of altering consciousness. It uses elementary physics to engage and alter, via the optic nerve, the electrical manifestations of brain activity. Reactions to the machine, however, vary with the individual and are always unique and personal. Reactions may range from relaxation to bliss to insight to nausea, and the machine may even, in rare cases, send the subject into an epilleptic fit. Thus, the art of the Dreamachine is truly in the eye, or, more specifically, the mind of the beholder. The visions induced are a product of the mind. Both the images and their effects depend on the subject's interpretations. With that being said, our challenge becomes trying to gain undeniable proof that the Dreamachine does what we claim it to do. The machine itself is merely a catalyst working in direct conjuncture with the brain to alter consciousness and create an aesthetically and spiritually unique experience.