The Mystery

Why are top scientists increasingly interested in researching human consciousness? Because the quest to solve the puzzle of human consciousness – the very essence of our being – is one of the great problems of modern science. For 2000 years, the questions surrounding human consciousness – how the everyday inner workings of our brains give rise to a single cohesive ‘reality’ and a sense of an individual ‘self’ – have been the province of philosophers from Plato to Descartes to Spinoza. Descartes is remembered for his dualist theory of consciousness in which the physical body is separate from the immaterial mind (or soul), and in large part because of his famous ‘soundbite’ about human consciousness,” I think, therefore I am.” However, modern brain imaging seems to indicate that it is Spinoza’s concept of an integrated mind-body that is closer to reality. And psychologist William James’ great work on consciousness in the late 1800s is slowly regaining the pivotal position it deserves in ...

Consciousness has long perplexed scientists and philosophers alike. How do our brains, composed of billions of neurons, generate conscious experiences? This mystery is not merely academic; it has profound implications for our understanding of ourselves, other animals, and the potential for artificial intelligence to develop self-awareness. In recent years, researchers have made significant strides in this area, drawing on various disciplines to approach the question of consciousness from multiple angles. Contrary to popular belief, consciousness may be less about intelligence and more about our nature as living, breathing organisms. This perspective suggests that our conscious experiences are, in essence, controlled hallucinations that arise through our living bodies. In this view, consciousness and intelligence are distinct phenomena: one need not be highly intelligent to experience suffering, but being alive is a prerequisite. As our understanding of consciousness deepens, we may fin...