THE NATURE OF CONSCIOUSNESS: A METAPHYSICAL EXPLORATION

Abstract

The problem of mind/body has long been a central concern in philosophical and scientific inquiry, with contemporary debates centering on the intricate nature and attributes of consciousness. Two opposing camps, physicalists and anti-physicalists, dominate this discourse. Physicalists advocate for a reductionist perspective, positing that consciousness's properties are fully explicable through empirical means, particularly by elucidating the intricate workings of the brain. Conversely, anti-physicalists challenge this reductionist stance, contending that certain aspects of consciousness, notably qualia, elude comprehensive explanation within the confines of physical processes. This paper delves into the heart of this debate, examining the arguments put forth by physicalists in their endeavor to demonstrate that consciousness is nothing more than the sum of physical and neural processes. By critically analyzing these perspectives, this paper aims to shed light on the ongoing discourse surrounding the mind/body problem and the potential implications of understanding consciousness for resolving this enduring philosophical puzzle.