The Puzzle of Consciousness: Science, Philosophy, and the Quest for Understanding
Consciousness —the experience of being, thinking, and feeling—remains one of the most profound mysteries of science and philosophy. For centuries, thinkers have wondered: What is consciousness? Where does it come from? And can it ever be fully explained? The Neuroscience of Consciousness In recent years, neuroscientists have tried to answer these questions by studying the brain. Two leading theories have dominated the discussion: - Integrated Information Theory (IIT): This theory suggests that consciousness arises when information is deeply interconnected within the brain, forming a unified whole. According to IIT, any system (not just brains) with enough "integrated information" could be conscious. - Global Neuronal Workspace Theory (GNWT): This idea argues that consciousness happens when information is broadcast widely across the brain, making it available to many different brain regions, especially the front (prefrontal cortex). Recently, a unique ...