The Consciousness Atlas is an interactive web app that visualizes more
than 450 theories of consciousness. It is based on Robert Lawrence
Kuhn's 2024 paper,
"A Landscape of Consciousness". The Atlas maps theories that address phenomenal consciousness - the
subjective feel of experience, such as the redness of red.
What the Atlas is
The Atlas is a visual reference built on Kuhn's taxonomy. It presents
the full set of theories at once so you can explore the field visually
and open any theory to read its entry, like an encyclopedia with
structured entries. Each theory entry shows a concise identity line,
conceptual ground, suggested mechanism, empirical notes, implications,
and sources.
Why this exists
Consciousness is studied across disciplines - neuroscience,
philosophy, and sometimes spiritual or anomalous-state research.
Kuhn's paper collects and organizes hundreds of theories along a
spectrum from most physical to least physical. The Atlas puts that
organization into a visual form so readers, students, and researchers
can quickly see how different positions relate and where each theory
sits on the spectrum.
How it works
Theories are grouped into ten main categories, arranged by their
stance on the physical-to-nonphysical spectrum. Examples of categories
include Materialism, Non-Reductive Physicalism, Functionalism,
Quantum-based theories, Panpsychism, Monism, Dualism, Idealism,
Anomalous States, and Challenge Theories. The app shows the whole map
at once. Click any theory to read its structured entry, which includes
references to canonical sources and named thinkers.
Who it is for
- Students learning philosophy of mind and cognitive science
-
Researchers and lecturers looking for an at-a-glance comparative
resource
-
Journalists and writers who need a quick reference to the range of
positions
-
Curious readers who want a clear view of what people mean when they
talk about consciousness
What the Atlas does not do
The Atlas does not endorse or rank theories. It is a visualization and
reference based on Kuhn's taxonomy - collect and present, not judge.
It does not attempt to settle the hard problem of consciousness. It is
a tool for exploration and comparison.
A note from Kuhn
Kuhn explicitly states the project's purpose: "collect and categorize,
not assess and adjudicate." The Consciousness Atlas follows that
approach. The data and structure are derived from Kuhn's paper;
feedback and suggested corrections are welcome, but the app is a
visualization layer on top of Kuhn's work.
Kuhn was not involved in the design or content of the Consciousness
Atlas, other than his original paper, 'A Landscape of Consciousness,'
which is the sole source.
FAQ
What is phenomenal consciousness?
Phenomenal consciousness refers to subjective experience - the
qualitative feel of being aware, like the taste of coffee or the
redness of red.
How many theories does the Atlas include?
The Atlas visualizes over 220 individual theories, grouped into ten
broad categories.
Does the Atlas show which theory is true?
No. The Atlas presents theories neutrally. It is a map, not an
argument for any single position.
Is the Atlas academic?
The Atlas is based on an academic source - Robert Kuhn's 2024 paper,
"A Landscape of Consciousness" - and links to canonical sources
where available.
Summary
The Consciousness Atlas is a straightforward visualization tool: it
presents Kuhn's taxonomy as a single, explorable map and lets users
open individual theory entries to read structured, referenced
summaries. It is designed to make this complex field easier to survey
and to serve as a practical reference.
Anomalous
Noël’s Nested Field Theory
Consciousness as a High-Frequency Nested Information Field
Christopher Noël proposes that consciousness is a ubiquitous information field nested among the quantum fields of physics, vibrating at so high a frequency that instruments cannot detect it directly. Because high frequency means high energy, the same field that carries information can also push on matter, which Noël argues explains telepathy, remote viewing, and psychokinesis within a naturalistic framework.
Christopher Noël
What consciousness is
Consciousness is an information field, a distinct form of matter and energy with a subatomic wavelength that nests within all ordinary matter.
Mind and body
Ordinary matter-energy and the matter-energy of consciousness are two basic kinds within one broadened ‘Materialism’. They usually coexist quietly but occasionally interact, sometimes violently.
Mechanism
Information as energetic frequency: since energy rises with frequency, the field’s information-bearing capacity and its power to move matter are the same property. Earlier information-field theories explained extrasensory access but not psychokinesis.
Core claims
- Consciousness is a field among the quantum fields, distinguished by a frequency too high for direct detection.
- Frederic Myers anticipated the view when he called consciousness so rarefied that it eludes the finest instruments.
- Psychokinesis follows from the field’s energetic nature, and Noël cites Dean Radin’s macro-PK observations and the PEAR random-event-generator experiments.
- Localized, short-lived electrical and atmospheric disruptions at paranormal sites show interaction between consciousness and ordinary matter-energy.
Criticisms
The theory rests on the reality of paranormal phenomena, and its key physical effects are claimed by witnesses and researchers but not established. Noël concedes that direct evidence for the field is not possible.
Related theories
Sources
- The Anatomy of Thin Air: Practical Solutions to Paranormal Mysteries, Christopher Noël (2026)
Explore all theories on the Consciousness Atlas
