The Search for Consciousness—From Humans to Machines
Axel Cleeremans, Liad Mudrik, A. Seth
Frontiers for Young Minds October 30, 2025 DOI: 10.3389/frym.2025.1667443 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Peer reviewed |
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| Key points | The text presents consciousness as the capacity for subjective experience, which scientists believe depends on the brain but do not fully understand. It states that because consciousness is personal and cannot be directly measured, researchers combine brain imaging, virtual reality, computer models, and philosophy to study it in humans, animals, and potentially machines, and that this work could aid treatment of brain injuries and mental illnesses and inform animal care and future technologies. |
Abstract
What is consciousness, and how can we tell who—or what—has it? Consciousness is the ability to have experiences, such as seeing, feeling, thinking, or knowing that you exist. Scientists believe it depends on the brain, but they still do not fully understand how it works. Studying consciousness is difficult because it is personal and cannot be directly measured. Researchers use tools like brain imaging, virtual reality, and computer models, as well as philosophy, to explore when and how consciousness appears in humans and animals—and whether machines could ever have it, too. Understanding consciousness could help doctors treat brain injuries and mental illnesses, improve how we care for animals, and prepare us for future technologies. It also raises big questions about fairness, free will, and the nature of life and mind. As science gets closer to solving this mystery, the answers could change the way we see ourselves and our place in the world.