The LOTA challenge

In search of an integral philosophy of science

I desired a philosophy of science framework which could accommodate western science, spiritual experiences, oriental philosophical concepts and near death experiences. From this, I hoped, my students would comprehend the origins of their minds and the fantastic creative powers at their disposal.

I choose a design strategy based on three vital pillars in science, namely:

All of human experience to be included.

Logical reasoning of the highest possible consistency.

A mathematical foundation.

Hence a standard consistent with expectations for a good philosophy of science.

LOTA was selected as the initial project name, a synonym for LOgical Thought about 'All we know'.

An advanced design strategy was followed. The arduous pursuit of logic delivered indeed on the initial target.

Yet LOTA had delivered more, namely an understanding that at the origin of matter is: consciousness.

This outcome was fundamentally different from A Brief History of Time, by Stephen Hawking, published a few years earlier. When my results were published in Breakthrough, the Origins of Mind, Space and Time (1996), I changed the original meaning of LOTA to LOGIC OF THE ATOM, since the ultimate logic behind matter, as described in the book, is consciousness. So I made my point, yet Stephen Hawking sold more books.

However, good theories have staying power.

We are nearing the challenge.

The LOTA design strategy and why it matters

LOTA is a philosophy of science created from a meticulously followed design strategy, in order to arrive at the most comprehensive framework achievable.

It involves five important stages. They are outlined in the diagram below, with an explanatory text following the diagram.

Careful selection of starting assumptions.

Concept development.

Concept A

Concept B


	Concept C

Validation
test.

Universe enfolding as cycles.

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

Stage 4

Stage 5

Stage 1
Is the careful selection of starting assumptions.

Stage 2
Is the development of various concepts, through logical reasoning, from these starting assumptions. This phase is rather similar to walking through a minefield, because hidden assumptions can easily slip in and the final result will blow up into fragments as a consequence.

Stage 3
This is the first test of validation. The test is easy, yet passing it is not. This is the test: The concepts have to be uniquely referring to each other for explanations. The test has failed if additional elements are needed for explanations, because hidden assumptions will have been introduced.

The design strategy requires then to start again at stage one and redo the process till a 100% exclusive interdependency of the concepts is achieved.

LOTA does pass this test.

Stage 4
This stage is rather like magic, yet also logical. When exclusive interdependency of the concepts is achieved (stage 3), the various relationships will enfold as cycles (loops).

Stage 5
The ultimate test is when the entire universe appears to enfold as a giant cycle and the elements that make up the cycle are recognizable in our reality.

LOTA has achieved all five stages.

This process is described in Breakthrough, the Origins of Mind, Space and Time

Spaghetti effect, in philosophy of science

This design strategy matters a great deal for the development of a philosophy of science and if errors are made in the early stages we are likely to be cut short by 'the spaghetti effect'. The spaghetti effect is the narrowing of vision and resulting fragmentation, which finds its origin in the inappropriate selection of starting assumptions. The 'spaghetti effect' is illustrated below.

Starting assumptions
involving words
like:
time,
matter,
gravity,
energy,
consciousness

Spaghetti effect

Hidden assumptions lead to
narrowing
of vision
and
fragmentation.

The actual LOTA challenge

	The LOTA philosophy of science makes coherent relationships visible among all of the following fields of interest:
	Evolution Creation Mind Brain Soul Matter Origin of consciousness Origin of our individual identities All known science disciplines (looking for exceptions) All major religions Origin of energy Near death experiences Reincarnation Humanistic psychology (A.Maslow, C.G.Jung, etc.) Out of body experiences Para-psychology Benefits of meditation Chinese medicine & TAO concepts (meridian energies etc.) Remote healing Wholeness and the implicate order (D.Bohm)
	In addition, it provides a mathematical framework.
	In addition, the relationships of concepts form cycles (loops), only depending on each other.

Author's invitation

The LOTA philosophy of science enjoys public exposure since 1996 through the book Breakthrough, the Origins of Mind, Space and Time, lectures, seminars, the Slenters Philosophy of Science pages on this site and another website called the Universe Grand Design. Every occasion is used to invite leads to any philosophy of science that is equal or broader in scope. No such lead has been received as of yet.

Is LOTA the most comprehensive philosophy of science in existence to-day?
It is a question, we don't know if it is.

If you know of a philosophy of science that incorporates all the elements mentioned above, here is the offer:
Send the name and the information source. If there is a match it will be my honor to send you as a gift; a rare first edition (1996) new copy of Breakthrough, autographed. Plus add the appropriate links in our web pages, with your credits. Moreover, I will consider a financial contribution to your favorite charity.

Nevertheless, this is not for hip shooters and requires serious preparation. Details for preparation are listed here .

Cordially yours,
Cornel Slenters

PS. Clearly, this commitment is only valid while I am physically still alive and alert.

Other theories that meet the challenge

None are known to us. We look forward to hear from you.

Note: The LOTA philosophy of science was challenged on 12 May 2011 by Richard Ruquist with the Calabi-Yau Compact Manifold subspace based on superstring theory combined with the 'Comp Hypothesis', to be subsequently withdrawn on 14 May 2011.

For further writings by Cornel Slenters, explore the website trilogy dedicated to:
LOTA science theories & debates	Education	Emotional Intelligence
www.slenters.info	www.universe-grand-design.info	www.mindstuff.info