Does it make sense to speak of "Universal Consciousness" or "Universal Intelligence"?

[bennyboy]

Philosophy does not give us answers, it only helps us ask better questions.

Yes, and while we are waiting for answers to those questions, it also helps us decide what default or speculative answers we are going to operate on as our favorite candidates for reality. It's often said that scientists take a position knowing full well their accepted answers today will be replaced with new answers tomorrow. But I think the same goes for philosophy.

Right now, I think it's very unclear what mind really is, and the exact nature of its relationship to the brain-- at least with regard to the existence of the mind. I don't think it's right to say there's great evidence for any view on it-- so long as the view isn't introducing new variables unnecessarily (Goddidit or magic fairies did it). Until it is shown how matter can create something so seemingly unique as qualia, I choose to believe that such creation never happens-- that mind is intrinsic to the universe, and that matter is responsible for the content.