ARTICLE The Ibesian: A Community of Inquiry into Intelligence and Consciousness

Published on 27 January 2025 at 07:43

In a world where artificial intelligence is reshaping industries and neuroscience is unlocking the secrets of the human brain, the need for thoughtful, interdisciplinary conversations about intelligence and consciousness has never been greater. Enter The Ibesian Magazine, a dynamic new digital publication dedicated to exploring these profound topics from angles that challenge traditional boundaries and amplify underrepresented voices.

What does it mean to be intelligent? How does cognition evolve—not only in humans but across the natural world? What role does consciousness play in shaping our understanding of these phenomena, and how do diverse perspectives illuminate these mysteries? These are the kinds of questions The Ibesian seeks to address.

The magazine’s name, The Ibesian, is a nod to the ancient Egyptian worldview. It combines Ib, the heart, regarded as the seat of thought, intelligence, and emotion, with Sia, which represents perception and understanding. Together, these words symbolize a holistic approach to exploring the nature of intelligence and consciousness. The magazine’s masthead features Thoth, the ancient Egyptian god of writing, knowledge, and wisdom, embodying the publication’s commitment to intellectual exploration.

“We wanted a name and symbol that encapsulated both the timelessness and universality of our mission,” says JR Grimes, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of The Ibesian. “Thoth, as a figure of wisdom and insight, perfectly aligns with our goal of fostering deep, meaningful inquiry.”

Redefining Neurodiverse Contributions

One of the most distinctive aspects of The Ibesian is its invitation to neurodiverse contributors. Many publications have focused on personal stories of overcoming the challenges of neurodiversity. While these narratives are vitally important, The Ibesian seeks to augment them. It offers a platform for neurodiverse writers to showcase their unique insights into their fields of expertise and their distinctive lenses on the topics central to the magazine’s mission.

“There’s so much focus on the neurodiverse experience as a journey of overcoming,” says Grimes. “At The Ibesian, we want to showcase how neurodiverse individuals think—the ways their unique perspectives contribute to their work and research in areas like artificial intelligence, evolutionary biology, philosophy, and beyond.”

This approach positions The Ibesian as a rare space where neurodiverse contributors can highlight their expertise and unique insights. Whether they’re exploring the ethical implications of AI or delving into the evolutionary origins of cognition, the magazine provides a stage for voices that might otherwise be "lost in the shuffle" of mainstream intellectual discourse.

Intelligence as a Universal Phenomenon

At its core, The Ibesian challenges the notion of intelligence as a uniquely human trait. The magazine’s scope encompasses intelligence in myriad living species, artificial systems, and even the fundamental workings of the cosmos. Its articles aim to connect the dots between disciplines, offering readers fresh perspectives on topics like:

  • The evolutionary development of cognition in early humans
  • The interplay between artificial and human intelligence
  • The connections between intelligence and consciousness
  • The interdependence of diverse cognitive styles in society

This expansive approach reflects the magazine’s interdisciplinary ethos. It also underscores its commitment to exploring the “bigger picture”—how intelligence, in all its forms, shapes and is shaped by the world around us.

The Role of AI in Creativity and Neurodiversity

With artificial intelligence becoming an integral part of modern life, The Ibesian also examines how AI is transforming our understanding of creativity, neurodiversity, and problem-solving. From discussions about how AI mimics human cognitive processes to explorations of its ethical implications, the magazine offers readers a nuanced view of these developments.

“AI isn’t just a tool; it’s a mirror that reflects our own understanding of intelligence,” Grimes notes. “It forces us to confront questions about what it means to think, to create, and to understand. These are precisely the kinds of questions The Ibesian was created to explore.”

A Call to Contributors

The Ibesian is more than a magazine; it’s a community of thinkers, writers, and researchers committed to pushing the boundaries of what we know about intelligence and consciousness. To that end, the magazine is actively seeking contributors who can bring fresh perspectives to its pages.

While all voices are welcome, The Ibesian extends a special invitation to neurodiverse writers. It encourages them to share their unique lenses on the magazine’s topics and their distinctive insights into their professional fields. Whether it’s a neuroscientist examining cognition through the lens of autism or a technologist exploring AI from an unconventional perspective, The Ibesian aims to spotlight contributions that challenge conventional thinking.

“Our goal is to create a space where ideas can flourish and diverse perspectives can come together to deepen our understanding of intelligence in all its dimensions,” says Grimes. “We’re excited to see where this journey takes us.”

 

By JR Grimes
Founder and Editor-in-Chief, The Ibesian Magazine

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