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The Floating Man Thought Experiment

By Michael Alan Prestwood

Mon 10 Jun 2024
Published 2 years ago.
Updated 2 years ago.
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Floating Man thought experiment, Deprivation Chamber edition. Imagine you are floating in a dimly lit, minimalist room with a futuristic-looking tub filled with dense saltwater. The separation of the mind from the physical body, conveying a sense of isolation and introspection.

The Floating Man Thought Experiment

New Look

Our five part new look at his thought experiment explores non-dualism and dualism including self-awareness and consciousness as inherent to the self. Some use this experiment as proof you have a soul, but that’s not necessarily what Avicenna intended. For those that use it that way, they usually have a predetermined conclusion that we do have souls. This version of the thought experiment allows you to delve into the complexities of consciousness and identity, as well as self and non-self.

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Michael Alan Prestwood
Author & Natural Philosopher
Prestwood writes on science-first philosophy, with particular attention to the convergence of disciplines. Drawing on his TST Framework, his work emphasizes rational inquiry grounded in empirical observation while engaging questions at the edges of established knowledge. With TouchstoneTruth positioned as a living touchstone, this work aims to contribute reliable, evolving analysis in an emerging AI era where the credibility of information is increasingly contested.
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This Week @ TST
April 1, 2026
»Column Archive
WWB Research….
1. Story of the Week
The Dawn of Empirical Spirituality
2. Quote of the Week
“It is wrong always, everywhere, and for anyone, to believe anything upon insufficient evidence.”
3. Science FAQ »
Is science tainted by bias?
4. Philosophy FAQ »
How do knowledge frameworks help transform information into wisdom?
5. Critical Thinking FAQ »
Are personal spiritual experiences believable?
6. History FAQ!
Did the Buddha believe in Mount Meru and the six realms of existence?
Bonus Deep-Dive Article
TST Theory of Justification: What to Believe
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