Scientific Methods
Scientific Methods
Methods for a Scientific Study of Consciousness:
- Neuroscience (How consciousness relates to the brain)
- Cognitive Science (Computer Models and Artificial Intelligence)
- Philosophy (The easy and the hard problems)
- Physics (Quantum theory)
Most neuro scientists support Reductive Materialism which holds that consciousness is an Epiphenomenon of brain processes. The theory asserts that at a sufficiently high level of brain organization, consciousness emerges. This socalled Emergence Theory, we do not support.
Cognitive Science is a relatively new and very popular discipline closely associated with computer science. Cognitive scientists work with computer models, robots, Artificial Intelligence, voice recognition and Neural Networks to mention a few areas.
Is it possible to construct a robot/computer with a consciousness? This is a hot issue among cognitive scientists who firmly believe that one day they will be able to construct a robot simulating a human being so closely that you may be fooled (This is also called the 'Turing Test'). This may be so, but is it possible to construct a robot with feelings ? A happy robot or a sad robot? This is hardly conceivable.
The 'Easy' and the 'Hard' Problem of Consciousness
The philosophers discuss the 'easy problem' and the 'hard problem' of brain and consciousness. A great number of brain functions such as perception, language, learning and memory can all be explained in terms of natural brain science. However, the socalled 'hard problem' of consciousness proposed by Australian philosopher David Chalmers goes like this:
"How can we explain that a physical system, no matter how complex and well organized it is, can cause an experience (qualia)? Why do these (brain) processes not go on 'in the dark' without any subjective quality? This is the phenomenon which makes consciousness a real mystery."
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