Lloyd: * So, if physical reality doesn't exist outside of [universal] consciousness, doesn't it make sense to try to understand the universe as consciousness? Isn't the scientific method the best way to understand all that? Can the scientific method be used to prove that everything must be consciousness?
* GC, I think you're jumping to conclusions. The link you provided has this quote.
Schuon states the nub of the case against modern science directly:
...modern science is a totalitarian rationalism that eliminates both Revelation and Intellect, and at the same time a totalitarian materialism that ignores the metaphysical relativity - and therewith the impermanence - of matter and the world. It does not know that the supra-sensible, situated as it is beyond space and time, is the concrete principle of the world, and consequently that it is also at the origin of that contingent and changeable coagulation we call "matter". A science that is called "exact" is in fact an "intelligence without wisdom", just as post-scholastic philosophy is inversely a "wisdom without intelligence".13
* Conventional science is more or less like Schuon's description, but conventional science doesn't use the scientific method correctly.
* The Scientific Method involves:
1. making accurate observations of reality;
2. making a hypothesis to attempt to explain observations;
3. testing the hypothesis by experiment, using accurate and relevant measurements, using logic and, if needed, math as well, and taking relevant, accurate notes of all procedures involved, to determine if the hypothesis is contradicted;
4. revising the hypothesis and the experiment, if contradicted;
5. publishing the experiment;
6. getting 2 or more unaffiliated parties to replicate a successful experiment;
7. publishing the hypothesis as a probable fact and a scientific discovery, if all experiments are successful; and
8. using the discovery to increase control over nature for the purpose of improving the conditions of society.
* Common errors that undermine the Scientific Method are:
1. making inaccurate observations of reality;
2. making an untestable hypothesis;
3. misusing logic or math in the experiment;
4. recording false or inaccurate data, or taking inaccurate notes;
5. suppressing potentially useful experiments;
6. failing to replicate an experiment by unaffiliated parties;
7. publishing false or misleading statements about experiments or experimenters; and
8. misusing scientific findings for the detriment of society.
* Human imperfection results in many experiments being done improperly, or reported on inaccurately, or suppressed unfairly. Sociology needs to study these problems and devise means to prevent abuse of science.
* The scientific method uses logic and safeguards against errors and fraud, but conventional science relies on fraud.
* So, if physical reality doesn't exist outside of [universal] consciousness, doesn't it make sense to try to understand the universe as consciousness? I say YES. Isn't the scientific method the best way to understand all that? YES, because other methods avoid either logic or safeguards against fraud and error. Can the scientific method be used to prove that everything must be consciousness? I say, Why not?
* Observation is Perception, which is consciousness. Logic is the way to think accurately. These are aspects of consciousness. Meditation and prayer are not forbidden by scientific method. In fact creative thinking is a requirement, as it is probably a means of accessing universal consciousness. So I believe the scientific method must be used to increase consciousness = knowledge etc for the benefit of all.