Beyond the Entropic Brain: Reclaiming Consciousness from Suppression and Ideology

Subtitle: Why “Normal” Consciousness Is a Diminished State—and How Psychedelic Science is Missing the Point

Introduction: Challenging the Frame

• Recent neuroscience models (e.g., Carhart-Harris’s Entropic Brain) define psychedelic states as high-entropy, sub-optimal, primitive, formless, regressive, and disordered.
• These models assume “normal,” ego-dominated consciousness is optimal and evolved (secondary consciousness) over primary consciousness.
• But what if these models are ideologically contaminated and fundamentally incorrect?

I. The Ideological Assumptions of “Normal” Consciousness

1. Assumption: Modern Society Superior

• Technology superior, that is true.
• But morally? Ethically? Socially? Ecologically? Not so much. Currently facing possibility of complete system collapse. Nothing superior about normal at all.
• Assumption that modern society is superior gives rise to the notion that modern consciousness, which presumably gave rise to modern society, is superior.
• Assumes “modern” brain patterns superior

2. Assumption: Consciousness located in brain

• Brain is the source
• Changes in brain (specifically entropy) = changes in states.
• To learn about consciousness, study the brain (neuroscience)
• When we do look at brain we see broad patterns of activation

3. Assumption: Entropy = Inferiority

• Entropy, high activation = randomness/uncertainty
• Reduced entropy = organization, self-awareness, happy brain, reality
• Assumes “entropic” states pathological/primitive.
• But, powerful experience of self in entropic states still exists, just more expansive, unitive. my own experience, multiple selves.
• may indicate emergent insight, trauma surfacing, integration-in-process.
• What happens with regular connection practice?

4. Assumption: Suppression = Evolution

• Entropic suppression an evolutionary marker (we are superior because our brains show more entropy). Ability to suppress entropy seen as evolutionary advance.
• But: this is emergency adaptation to precarity imposed by toxic regimes of accumulation, not peak development.
• Specialization ≠ superiority.

5. “Normal” = Optimal

• Secondary consciousness = adult, rational, focused, stable.
• But, normal = blinkered, emotionally repressed, often incapable of reality testing on a larger scale (e.g., climate inaction, pandemic awareness).
• A diminished state, not a mature one.

II. Psychedelic States as Windows into Expanded Consciousness

• Not regressive; expansive, integrative, superior, especially over time and with intention and practice.
• Initially disordered → becomes integrative, intelligent, ordered with experience and practice.
• Indicates not disordered, primitive state but latent human capacity suppressed by trauma, ideology, .

III. An Alternative Theory: Consciousness Beyond the Brain

1. Consciousness is Fundamental

• Not a brain product.
• Exists independent of matter.
• Brain = modulator/filter, not generator.

2. Brain as Prism or Focusing Device

• Focuses, narrows, and conditions consciousness for physical interface.
• Changes in brain = changes in refractive patterns, not changes in Consciousness
• Current models confuse filtered consciousness for totality.

3. “Normal” Consciousness is Filtered and Diminished

• Changes in brain activity = changes in filtration
• Secondary consciousness = highly filtered, specialized tool for control and navigation in precarity.
• Not superior, Prioritizes ego, instrumental logic.
• Suppresses general awareness, emotional access, and connection.

IV. Toward a Regenerative Model of Consciousness

• Psychedelics, meditation, trauma resolution = tools for de-suppression.
• These open access to high-entropy, high-capacity modes.
• Integration needed to sustain and stabilize.
• Shift from pathology framing → developmental and spiritual framing.

Conclusion: Dismantling the Ideology of Suppression

• Entropic Brain theory describes real dynamics, but misinterprets them.
• Ideological assumptions: Eurocentric superiority, speciesism, materialism, repression as maturity.
• True human development = reconnection, expansion, healing.