The Mystery of Consciousness Is Deeper Than We Thought

The article discusses the deep mystery surrounding consciousness, focusing on the distinction between the "easy" problems and the "hard" problem of consciousness. The hard problem questions why the brain's mechanistic functioning is accompanied by subjective experiences. Philosophical debates around consciousness include the concept of zombies and the challenge of explaining the relationship between feelings and behavior. The article explores the idea of pain-pleasure inverts as a thought experiment to illustrate the complexities of consciousness. It delves into the implications of psychophysical harmony and how it challenges fundamental assumptions about reality. The author, Philip Goff, a professor of philosophy, suggests that understanding consciousness may require radical shifts in our understanding of the universe. The article concludes by highlighting the ongoing philosophical debates and the profound implications of exploring the mysteries of consciousness.