Why the Hard Problem of Consciousness will never be solved
PsyArXiv June 8, 2021 preprint DOI: 10.31234/osf.io/rhe2d (opens in new tab)
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractConsciousness's hard problem—why and how subjective experience exists—cannot be solved by any theory because subjective experience arises from directly sensing absolute quantities, which are private and unshareable. Objective experience, in contrast, involves relative quantities that are invariant across perceptions and can be communicated. Since only relative quantities can be shared, subjective experience remains locked inside each individual's mind, making it impossible to discuss, explain, or formulate a theory about it.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
|---|---|
| Key finding | Argues that the hard problem of consciousness is unsolvable because subjective experience arises from absolute quantities measured by the senses, which cannot be shared, so no theory can explain it. |
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to argue that (1) that the hard problem of consciousness is concerned with subjective experience; (2) subjective experience arises from the measure of absolute quantities directly by our senses; (3) objective experience, on the other hand, arises from the measure of relative quantities which are invariant to perception; (4) only relative quantities can be shared with others; (5) consequently the hard problem is forever locked inside the head of each individual and can never be discussed, explained or shared with another. (6) Accordingly, no theory can, in principle, be formulated to explain it.