Transcendental Knowledge?

[Mudhammam]

I know it's heresy in some circles, but "I"(lol) think that as a means of establishing the existence of consciousness, cogito is a dud.

I think -bzzt...just assumed your conclusion.

As I said, it's not deniable without collapsing into self-refutation. I wouldn't call it heretical, just nonsensical! :-)

Therefore I am.

I'm of the opinion that we needn't make any assumptions about anything in and of themselves, but in order to do work(like thinking) we must make assumptions. As to your question, perhaps there is no mind, or perhaps perceptions shape mind - not the other way round.

Perception would seem to imply an experiencer, or a CONSCIOUS mind. But if consciousness, say, shapes mind, wouldn't that fall closer to idealism or even--a genuine heresy--substance dualism?