Fascinating article.

I've known of those who consider themselves part of internal gatherings, and realize that the experience is as varied as any other aspect of being human. I didn't feel the need to dissect their reality or try to quantify it, because it's far more satisfying to listen and learn what you can about a fascinating phenomenon.

Amazing and a serious mind-fuck at the same time. Thanks. Shared on FB.

Wow, that I would not have guessed that. Truth is stranger than fiction.

Thanks for that link. I see that the article was first published in Scientific American. I take the ideas very seriously and hope to learn more.

I now learn that one of the authors of the article is coauthor of “Irreducible Mind”, which is said to present evidence for universal consciousness.

DID took a credibility hit with the disgrace of Dr. Wilbur who wrote the book Sybil; she apparently fabricated or sensationalized her patient's symptoms. So ... there is potential for woo here, but I wouldn't entirely discount it. I'm happy that brain scans demonstrably differ between actors simulating DID and actual DID patients. If that is reproducible and properly controlled and peer-reviewed, that's a step toward establishing DID as a well-understood mental phenomenon.

Still, one of the cited studies is a study of ONE PATIENT, the other is four years old and I can't tell from the abstract how many people were involved -- but it's not a lot of data to base an entire cosmology on.

So, I don't know that this hypothesis the article presents is as "empirically grounded" as they think it is, and I'm not convinced the hypothesis is testable and scientifically valid. They are simply suggesting the DID could be seen as consistent with idealism and cosmophychism. That doesn't prove that there's an association between the two, much less a causal connection. And I have no idea how you'd establish that, either.

It certainly gets people to look if you claim to have a solution to the "hard problem" of consciousness or how qualia work -- but it's also an extraordinary claim that needs extraordinary evidence to support it.

I have D.I.D and it isnt an urban myth where i live - Its unusual but real enough as I can testify - It is supposed to be rare but it exists - I was diagnosed by someone in Australia who happened to be visiting Northern Ireland and had the know-how , and also by two other Psychiatrists and a Psychologist. It isnt really fun to have it because the triggers for alters are not induced my me but by others so it can be pretty frightening - It mainly occurs but not always from childhood abuse at an early age we form different alters to deal with different situations and then get stuck with it . Both my parents were abusive so it isnt surprising to me that I have this dx. Now I am 70 the effect is wearing off somewha,t which is a relief but I can still be triggered by people who treat me like a child or being told off. I don't mind 'multiple' jokes , quite like them as long as they aren't offensive. It was harder to cope with before I grew up because people kept thinking I was lying when it wasnt me- also personal pronouns become difficult.

Interesting article ? thanks for sharing, and I would suggest to still remain skeptical and look at other sources. I am not a fan of Salon.. especially after they tried to smear Sam Harris views on Malala..