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Will neuroscience explain consciousness?

G Hesslow1

  • 1Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Lund, Sweden.

Journal of Theoretical Biology
|November 7, 1994
PubMed
Summary
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This neuroscientific defense of mind-brain reductionism argues that future neuroscience can pragmatically explain consciousness. Philosophical objections are unconvincing, and empirical findings like Libet

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Philosophy of Mind
  • Cognitive Science

Background:

  • Mind-brain reductionism posits that mental states are reducible to brain states.
  • Philosophical and empirical challenges question the feasibility of explaining consciousness through neuroscience.
  • Benjamin Libet's experiments on temporal delay and mental antedating are often cited against reductionism.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To defend a pragmatic version of mind-brain reductionism.
  • To argue that future neuroscience can explain the puzzling aspects of mind and consciousness.
  • To address and refute philosophical and empirical objections to reductionism.

Main Methods:

  • Philosophical argumentation against semantic and identity problems.
  • Reinterpretation of empirical findings, specifically Benjamin Libet's experiments.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Analysis of current scientific explanations for subjective experience.

    • Main Results:

    • Philosophical arguments against reductionism are deemed unconvincing.
    • Libet's findings are presented as evidence supporting a physiological basis for consciousness, not refuting reductionism.
    • Many subjective experiences already have satisfactory scientific explanations.

    Conclusions:

    • Mind-brain reductionism, in a pragmatic sense, is a viable scientific approach.
    • Neuroscience is progressively demystifying the mind and subjective experience.
    • Continued scientific progress is expected to further reduce the mystery surrounding consciousness.