The biodynamics of knowledge creation : an archaeological, behavioural and neurological account of the creation of human knowledge

[摘要] This thesis explores phenomena surrounding the creation of knowledge, employing a multidisciplinaryapproach.To start with a view on the physical location of knowledge is discussed. This helps highlight theproblem of defining knowledge and simultaneously introduces a set of fundamental and conceptualquestions about the phenomena surrounding the creation of knowledge . The set of questions are thenfocussed on the process of knowledge creation.The investigation starts in the field of archaeology, in particular at the dawn of modern civilisation,with views on the earliest forms of knowledge creation. From there the investigation moves on toaspects of contemporary neurology. This allows for a comparison between humans from the ancientpast with humans of today thereby identifying a neurological link between these periods.Based on current research within the field of behavioural neurology it is posed that knowledge creationis a process initiated by the impact of electromagnetic fields on the brain. A review of the medicalresearch within the neurological sciences on the effects of electromagnetic field stimulation shows it tobe effective as a treatment modality, a behavioural modifier, a suppressor and facilitator of cognition,as well as a sensory modulator.The interaction of the brain with electromagnetic fields is shown as a form of transduction similar tothat of regular sensory transduction. Since the transduction of electromagnetic stimuli can functionallymodulate sensory reception, cognition, behaviour and some neurological conditions, the creation ofsensory perception, cognition, behaviour and neurological conditions (all phenomena surroundingknowledge creation) can be shown as functionally dependant on the electro-chemical process offerromagnetic transduction (magneto reception). The ferromagnetic transduction model may then beseen as the sensory mechanism that initiates and modulates the process of knowledge creation. Themodulation of this process is revealed cognitively in savants, behaviourally in some of the greatestthinkers in history and on a planetary scale as a force of nature. The implications of these findings isthat if the keys to the creation of knowledge have been found, great care needs to be taken whendeciding to implement any type of artificial or natural modulation to neural firing rates not onlybecause of the total effect modulation can have on the individual but also because of the socialconsequences resulting from those who wish to socially discriminate according to the ability of andbeliefs arising from the knowledge creating process.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University