Consciousness Matters

'I regard consciousness as fundamental. I regard matter as derivative from consciousness. We cannot get behind consciousness. Everything that we talk about, everything that we regard as existing, postulates consciousness.' Max Planck, physicist (1858-1941) The Observer (January 25th, 1931.

The problem of consciousness has baffled thinkers for centuries. What is consciousness? Where does it come from? What does it do? IS THE PHYSICAL THE CAUSE OF THE CONSCIOUS? Are conscious states in some way made out of the brain? Are conscious states manufactured, generated, produced by the brain? Does it make any sense to believe that this squidgy bundle of chemicals fizzing with electricity called the brain is responsible for the special and indescribable taste of olives, the sound of an oboe, the feel of silk, the smell of woodsmoke, the intensity of passion, the terrors of dread, the experience of agony and euphoria? [Read more] ...