[In Context] The hard problem of consciousness: understanding our reality

In the 17th century, the philosopher Ren é Descartes proposed that the very act of thinking about one's existence is evidence of the presence of a mind distinct from the body. This notion came to be known as Cartesian dualism, spawning the dictum “cognito ergo sum” (I think, therefore I am). According to Descartes, consciousness is ir refutable—even if everything else you think you know is an illusion—because consciousness is observed from within. The troubling aspect of consciousness is that it is very difficult to describe scientifically.

Source: Lancet Neurology - February 26, 2018 Category: Neurology Authors: Jules Morgan Tags: In Context Source Type: research