Neuroscience of Consciousness
January 1, 2022
Jolien C. Francken, L. Beerendonk, D. Molenaar et al.
96 citations
A survey of 166 consciousness researchers reveals ongoing debate about the definition and study of consciousness. Most respondents believe machines could have consciousness, that consciousness is gradual across the animal kingdom, and that unconscious processing is extensive, covering both low-level and high-level cognitive functions. The survey identifies which theories of consciousness are considered most promising and how different theories cluster, which dependent measures best index consciousness, and which neural measures are thought to be its most likely signatures. These findings offer a snapshot of current views to help prioritize research and theoretical approaches.
June 14, 2021
Jolien C. Francken, L. Beerendonk, D. Molenaar et al.
23 citations
preprint
A survey of 232 active consciousness scientists reveals ongoing debate about the definition of consciousness and how to study it. Most respondents believe machines could have consciousness, that consciousness is gradual across the animal kingdom, and that unconscious processing is extensive, covering both low- and high-level cognition. The results identify which theories of consciousness are considered most promising, how different theories cluster, which behavioral measures best index consciousness, and which neural measures are most likely signatures of consciousness. These findings offer a snapshot of dominant views among professionals, potentially helping to prioritize research and theoretical approaches.
Frontiers in Science
October 30, 2025
Axel Cleeremans, L. Mudrik, A. Seth
17 citations
Understanding the biophysical basis of consciousness remains a major challenge for 21st-century science, made more pressing by advances in artificial intelligence. This article reviews recent developments in the scientific study of consciousness and considers future directions. It highlights novel approaches that may facilitate breakthroughs, including greater attention to theory development, adversarial collaborations, a focus on the phenomenal character of conscious experiences, and new methodologies and ecological experimental designs. The authors explore what success in consciousness science may look like, emphasizing clinical, ethical, societal, and scientific implications. Progress will reshape how we see ourselves and our relationship to AI and the natural world, usher in new medical interventions, and inform discussions on nonhuman animal welfare and ethical concerns around the beginning and end of human life.
Nature Human Behaviour
February 1, 2019
M. Michel, Diane M Beck, N. Block et al.
Advancing scientific research on consciousness is important for addressing clinical and ethical issues in neurology and mental health. To support this field, funding priorities must be set carefully, and challenges such as job creation and media misrepresentation need to be addressed.
IEEE Symposium on Artificial Life
July 18, 2018
Keisuke Suzuki, Warrick Roseboom, D. Schwartzman et al.
Simulating phenomenological aspects of altered states of consciousness offers an experimental tool for consciousness science and psychiatry. The Hallucination Machine is described as a method for this purpose.