Have grand theories of consciousness earned their keep?
Adrian M. Owen, Melvyn A Goodale
Neuron October 6, 2026 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2026.08.020 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that the most transformative advances in consciousness science have been driven by rigorous empirical research rather than overarching theoretical frameworks, and that future progress may depend on returning to that empirical tradition. |
Abstract
The recent controversies surrounding theories of consciousness invite a more fundamental reassessment of their scientific value. We argue that the field's most transformative advances have been driven by rigorous empirical research rather than overarching theoretical frameworks and that future progress may depend on returning to that tradition.
Citations in the library
Cites 6
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- Adversarial testing of global neuronal workspace and integrated information theories of consciousness. Nature June 1, 2025
- Sensory Horizons and the Functions of Conscious Vision. Behavioral and Brain Sciences April 21, 2025
- The ethical impasse of current consciousness science. Neuron June 17, 2026
- Conscious Processing and the Global Neuronal Workspace Hypothesis. Neuron March 1, 2020
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