ABSTRACT
Philosophers have tried to solve the problem of consciousness for centuries. Philosophical mind–body theories are trying to specify how consciousness and brain might be related to each other. This chapter discusses the basic nature of consciousness and the different philosophical theories about it and also discusses some questions such as: what is the fundamental nature of consciousness. what is its place in the universe, how does it relate to physical matter, to our bodies and brains and the biological processes within us. Philosophers try to clarify the nature of consciousness through argument and logical reasoning. The idea of mind–body dualism is widespread in traditional and religious beliefs. Consciousness may be permanently lost as in brain death or coma. Consciousness may become distorted in some peculiar way. Consciousness will be reduced to something purely biological and physical in the brain. Emergent materialism thus has an excellent track record in solving mysteries similar to consciousness.
