Name: Our shared condition -- consciousness
Uploaded: 2013-07-22T15:12:18Z
Duration: 14 min 45 s
Description: Philosopher John Searle lays out the case for studying human consciousness -- and systematically shoots down some of the common objections to taking it seriously. As we learn more about the brain processes that cause awareness, accepting that consciousness is a biological phenomenon is an important first step. And no, he says, consciousness is not a massive computer simulation.

Philosopher John Searle lays out the case for studying human consciousness -- and systematically shoots down some of the common objections to taking it seriously. As we learn more about the brain processes that cause awareness, accepting that consciousness is a biological phenomenon is an important first step. And no, he says, consciousness is not a massive computer simulation.

Our shared condition -- consciousness

Consciousness shapes every meaningful part of life, yet it is often dismissed as either mystical or unscientific. The idea that consciousness is just an illusion or a computer program collapses under scrutiny, especially when considering that a simple conscious act, like raising an arm on command, demonstrates real, causal force. Conscious states are as biologically grounded as digestion or photosynthesis, emerging from complex brain processes. Recognizing consciousness as a real biological phenomenon invites science to investigate, rather than ignore, its mysteries.