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How to study consciousness scientifically

J R Searle1

  • 1Department of Philosophy, University of California, Berkeley 94720-2390, USA.

Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological Sciences
|December 17, 1998
PubMed
Summary
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Consciousness is now a tractable scientific problem, achievable by addressing nine philosophical misconceptions that impede progress in understanding its brain basis. Overcoming these errors is key to scientific advancement.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Philosophy of Mind
  • Cognitive Science

Background:

  • Neuroscience has advanced to enable the scientific study of consciousness.
  • Understanding the neural correlates of consciousness remains a significant challenge.
  • Philosophical assumptions can hinder scientific progress in this field.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and address nine common philosophical mistakes that impede the scientific study of consciousness.
  • To clarify the relationship between brain processes and conscious experience.
  • To establish a framework for scientifically investigating consciousness.

Main Methods:

  • Philosophical analysis of common assumptions about consciousness.
  • Conceptual clarification of key terms and problems in consciousness research.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Argumentation to dismantle misconceptions hindering scientific progress.

    • Main Results:

    • Nine specific philosophical errors that obstruct consciousness research were identified and refuted.
    • These errors include issues of definition, subjectivity vs. objectivity, qualia, epiphenomenalism, evolutionary function, dualism, reductionism, and information processing.
    • A path forward for scientific inquiry into consciousness, free from these philosophical impediments, is proposed.

    Conclusions:

    • Consciousness can and should be treated as a scientific problem.
    • Removing philosophical obstacles is crucial for advancing our understanding of how brain processes generate consciousness.
    • A scientifically rigorous approach to consciousness is possible and necessary.