Whatever societies accept as 'knowledge' is embedded in epistemological, institutional, political, and economic power relations. How is knowledge produced under such circumstances? What is the difference between general knowledge and the sciences? Can there be science without universal truth claims? Questions like these are discussed in eleven essays from the perspective of Sociology, Law, Cultural Studies, and the Humanities.

This book presents consciousness models from Eastern and Western perspectives that accommodate current scientific research in the natural sciences and humanities, from neurological experiments through philosophical enquiries to spiritual approaches. It offers up to date research from key disciplines in consciousness studies ranging from neurology, quantum mechanics, algorithmic science, mathematics, and astrophysics to literary studies, philosophy, and (comparative) theology. The volume examines the dichotomy between Western and Eastern perceptions of consciousness – where consciousness is perceived as brain activity by Western scientists, and as a divine presence by various religions, especially in the East. The essays contextualize each other and reciprocally illuminate the potential and limits of the respective approaches. The texts aim at a transdisciplinary and transcultural exchange of ideas in consciousness studies and address a readership from interested lay-readers to experts of the field. The volume is of interest to researchers of consciousness studies. 

Die Fruhe Neuzeit ist charakterisiert durch die Diversifizierung von Wissensformen als Folge medialer, technologischer, institutioneller und soziokultureller sowie epistemischer Umbruche und interkultureller Einflusse. Aus interdisziplinarer Perspektive werdenim vorliegenden Band die Transformationen moralisch-ethischer Wissensdiskurse in zeitgenossischen Texten aus Literatur und Philosophie untersucht."