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Santa Barbara Institute research programs currently in progress or active development include:
The Santa Barbara Institute’s programs focus on and synthesize pure and
applied research. The former involves rigorous scientific investigation of the
nature, origins, and role of consciousness in humanity and nature. The latter
focuses on the pragmatic study of human well-being and positive psychology.
In recent years, the cognitive sciences have brought objective, third-person
investigative techniques to the study of attention, emotion, and other aspects
of consciousness, with remarkable results. The Institute is dedicated to the
development of complementary and equally rigorous first-person techniques for
investigating consciousness.
The overall research approach brings objective, quantitative investigation
to bear upon states of consciousness achieved through the practice and application
of meditative techniques derived from the world’s great contemplative
traditions. These are balanced by and integrated with first-person, qualitative
investigation of the experience of these states. |
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The mission of the Santa Barbara Institute is timely, the structure is unique,
and the goals are noble. The Institute is like no other yet there is great hunger
for an interdisciplinary approach to the study of consciousness….I applaud
the creation of the Santa Barbara Institute and believe that it will serve as
model for the integration of first- and third-person approaches to the study
of consciousness.”
Richard Davidson, Director, Laboratory for Affective Neuroscience
University of Wisconsin, Madison |