Consciousness and computation
Shadows of the Mind August 22, 1996 DOI: 10.1093/oso/9780195106466.003.0002 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Raises the question of whether human consciousness falls within the scope of scientific enquiry or lies beyond it, asking whether science is confined to material attributes and whether scientific method might someday resolve the existence of conscious selves. The text poses these as open questions rather than defending a position. |
Abstract
Abstract What is the ultimate scope of science? Is it just the material attributes of our universe that are amenable to its methods, whereas our mental existence must forever lie outside its compass? Or might we someday come to a proper scientific understanding of the shadowy mystery of minds? Is the phenomenon of human consciousness something that is beyond the scope of scientific enquiry, or may the power of scientific method one day resolve the problem of the very existence of our conscious selves?