Final answer:
Panpsychism proposes that phenomenal consciousness is inherent to fundamental components of the universe, challenging the notion that consciousness is limited to complex organisms or the human brain.
Step-by-step explanation:
Panpsychism proposes that phenomenal consciousness is inherent to fundamental components of the universe. It suggests that consciousness is not limited to complex organisms or the human brain, but rather is present in everything at a fundamental level. According to panpsychism, even basic particles or fundamental units of matter possess some form of consciousness or subjective experience. This view challenges the idea that consciousness is exclusive to certain entities and suggests a more widespread presence of consciousness in the universe.
In line with the passage, panpsychism aligns with the idea that the mental or experiential is not separate but part and parcel of the physical world. It challenges reductionist and physicalist views that equate the mind solely with brain activity or neural processes. Instead, panpsychism offers a more integrative understanding of consciousness and suggests that the physical operations of the universe and the phenomenon of consciousness are fundamentally interconnected.