Metaphysics & Psychology

Will we ever understand consciousness ?

By T.K. Randall
June 2, 2013 ·  71 comments

Image Credit: Wikipedia For thousands of years, philosophers and scientists alike have pondered over the nature of our conscious selves. Some would argue that we are simply incapable of fully comprehending our own consciousness and that there is a cognitive gap in our understanding. "We're rather like Neanderthals trying to understand astronomy or Shakespeare," said philosopher Colin McGinn of the University of Miami.

Others however are more optimistic and take an approach more scientific than philosophical, believing that the nature of consciousness is simply a science problem waiting to be solved. "Historically, philosophers have a disastrous record of explaining things," said neuroscientist Christof Koch. "Philosophers are very good at asking questions but not so good at finding satisfactory answers."

But can studies of brain activity and cognitive patterns really lead to the ultimate understanding of how our minds work ? Only time will tell.[!gad]For thousands of years, philosophers and scientists alike have pondered over the nature of our conscious selves. Some would argue that we are simply incapable of fully comprehending our own consciousness and that there is a cognitive gap in our understanding. "We're rather like Neanderthals trying to understand astronomy or Shakespeare," said philosopher Colin McGinn of the University of Miami.

Others however are more optimistic and take an approach more scientific than philosophical, believing that the nature of consciousness is simply a science problem waiting to be solved. "Historically, philosophers have a disastrous record of explaining things," said neuroscientist Christof Koch. "Philosophers are very good at asking questions but not so good at finding satisfactory answers."

But can studies of brain activity and cognitive patterns really lead to the ultimate understanding of how our minds work ? Only time will tell.

Source: Live Science | Comments (71)

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