Consciousness & the Brain: John Searle at TEDxCERN

Recent questions

• What is consciousness and why is it important?

  Consciousness is a vital aspect of our lives that is often overlooked in scientific and philosophical discussions. It encompasses our feelings, sensations, and awareness from the moment we wake up to when we fall asleep or become unconscious. Despite being a fundamental part of human existence, consciousness has been neglected in both fields due to reluctance and hostility towards the topic. It is crucial to recognize consciousness as a biological phenomenon, similar to other processes in the body, rather than relegating it to the spiritual realm or separating it from scientific inquiry. Understanding consciousness is essential for comprehending human behavior and the workings of the brain.

• How is consciousness defined and what are its characteristics?

  Consciousness is defined as a series of feelings, sensations, or awareness that we experience throughout our waking hours. It begins when we wake up and ends when we fall asleep or become unconscious. Conscious states are caused by neurobiological processes in the brain and manifest as higher-level features. Consciousness is real, irreducible, and subjective, with a qualitative character that generates unified conscious fields. Despite its subjective nature, consciousness plays a causal role in behavior through neuron firings and the secretion of acetylcholine. Traditional vocabularies for discussing consciousness are outdated, and it is essential to update our understanding of this complex phenomenon.

• What are some misconceptions about consciousness?

  There are several misconceptions surrounding consciousness that hinder progress in understanding this crucial aspect of human existence. Outrageous statements about consciousness include claims that it doesn't exist, is merely a computer program, or has no impact on the world. These misconceptions stem from a lack of proper scientific inquiry and a tendency to view consciousness as separate from the realm of objective study. It is important to dispel these myths and approach consciousness as a legitimate biological phenomenon that can be studied through objective scientific methods.

• How does consciousness impact human behavior?

  Consciousness plays a significant role in shaping human behavior through its causal influence on neural processes in the brain. Neuron firings and the secretion of acetylcholine are key mechanisms through which consciousness functions in behavior. By understanding the neurobiological basis of consciousness, we can gain insights into how it affects our actions, decisions, and perceptions of the world. Consciousness is not a passive observer but an active participant in shaping our experiences and interactions with the environment.

• Can consciousness be scientifically studied?

  Despite common misconceptions, consciousness can indeed be scientifically studied through objective methods. Neurologists are working to create an objective understanding of subjective experiences such as pain, demonstrating that subjective domains like consciousness are not beyond the reach of scientific inquiry. By applying objective science to consciousness, researchers can unravel the mysteries of this complex phenomenon and shed light on its role in human cognition and behavior. It is essential to recognize that consciousness is a legitimate subject of scientific study and not an impenetrable mystery.