Cognitive Psychology
Altered states refer to mental conditions that differ significantly from the normal waking state of consciousness, often characterized by changes in perception, emotion, cognition, and behavior. These states can be induced through various means such as sleep, meditation, hypnosis, drugs, or sensory deprivation, and they provide insights into the nature of consciousness itself. Understanding altered states is crucial for exploring theories of consciousness, as they challenge our perceptions of reality and highlight the complexity of human experience.
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