Neurophysiologist Robert Lawrence Kuhn has published a comprehensive taxonomy of proposed solutions to the hard problem of consciousness. This framework explores theories regarding meaning, purpose, and value, AI consciousness, virtual immortality, survival beyond death, and free will.
Kuhn’s article, “A landscape of consciousness: Toward a taxonomy of explanations and implications,” was recently published in Progress in Biophysics and Molecular Biology. The author, who has interviewed over 200 scientists and philosophers on the topic, aims to collect and categorize diverse theories rather than assess and adjudicate them.
Kuhn’s taxonomy includes various categories such as materialist/physicalist theories, non-reductive physicalism, quantum theories, integrated information theory, panpsychisms, monisms, dualisms, idealisms, anomalous states theories, and challenge theories. The author notes that each explanation is self-described by its adherents.
Kuhn’s purpose in producing the taxonomy is to explore its impact on ultimate questions such as meaning, purpose, and value. He emphasizes the need for expansive yet rational diversity in understanding consciousness.
The expert’s opinions on certain proposals have evolved over time, with his current stance leaning towards a Dualism-Idealism mashup, followed by Quantum Consciousness, and finally Eliminative Materialism/Illusionism combined with neurobiological and representational theories. However, Kuhn acknowledges that smart individuals hold radically different theories, and what he believes may not be particularly significant.
Kuhn’s article is the result of his in-depth interviews with experts over several decades, and it offers insights into his writing process and thoughts on consciousness.
Source: https://phys.org/news/2024-10-landscape-consciousness-neurophysiologist-diverse-theories.html