3. Time and space
Oxford University Press eBooks June 23, 2005 DOI: 10.1093/actrade/9780192805850.003.0003 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that existing theories of consciousness, including dualism, quantum computing, higher-order thought, and global workspace theory, all fail to explain how objective brain activity gives rise to subjective experience, leaving the mystery unresolved. |
Abstract
‘Time and space’ discusses a range of experiments and theories of consciousness using examples such as neuroscientist Benjamin Libet's ‘half second lag’ and the ‘cutaneous rabbit’ test. Theories considered include dualism, quantum computing, ‘higher-order thought’, and psychologist Bernard Baars' global workspace theory. None of these theories can solve the basic mystery of subjective experience. They all accept the basic premise that at any time a small number of things are ‘in’ the theatre or stream of consciousness while all the rest are not, but they fail to explain how any kind of objective brain activity can give rise to a stream of conscious experiences.