Origin and evolution of human consciousness.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Philosophy of Mind
• Cognitive Psychology
• Developmental Psychology
• Clinical Neurology
• Neuropsychology
• Comparative Neuropsychophysiology

Background:

• The study of consciousness faces significant challenges, including definitional ambiguity and the philosophical problem of other minds.
• Consciousness is intricately linked with various memory systems, including procedural/implicit, semantic, and episodic memory.
• Understanding consciousness requires integrating insights from diverse fields, from neurobiology to psychology and philosophy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the multifaceted nature of consciousness, addressing terminological issues and the problem of other minds.
• To review neuroscientific theories and empirical research contributing to the understanding of consciousness.
• To examine the distinctive features of human consciousness, such as mental time travel, joint intentionality, theory of mind, and language.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis of terminology and philosophical problems related to consciousness.
• Review of neuroscientific theories and empirical findings from psychology, neurology, and neuropsychology.
• Examination of research on altered states of consciousness (sleep, coma, vegetative state) and specific neuropsychological conditions (blindsight, neglect).

Main Results:

• The chapter delineates the complex landscape of consciousness, encompassing its levels, contents, and relationship with memory.
• It synthesizes neuroscientific perspectives and evidence from clinical and neuropsychological studies.
• Key human-specific attributes, including mental time travel, joint intentionality, theory of mind, and language, are highlighted as crucial aspects of human consciousness.

Conclusions:

• Consciousness is a complex phenomenon with deep roots in neurobiology and cognitive processes.
• An interdisciplinary approach is essential for unraveling the mysteries of consciousness.
• Human consciousness possesses unique characteristics that distinguish it from other forms of awareness.