The Problem of Consciousness between Philosophical Perspective and Natural Sciences: A Comparative Analytical Study

Abstract

This research paper explores the multifaceted nature of human consciousness, transitioning from traditional philosophical inquiries to contemporary scientific analyses. The study addresses the fundamental problem of how physical systems, such as the human brain, generate subjective self-awareness and internal experience. Employing a comparative analytical and critical methodology, the research is structured into three primary sections. The first section provides a conceptual and historical overview of consciousness, tracing its definitions across various disciplines including psychology, sociology, and philosophy. It distinguishes between "easy problems"—related to cognitive functions and behavioral control—and the "hard problem" of consciousness, which concerns the origins of qualitative subjective experience. The second section examines the enduring debate between dualism and materialism, contrasting the Cartesian view of a non-material mind with materialistic perspectives that reduce consciousness to neural processes. The final section investigates the intersection of consciousness with modern physics and biology, specifically exploring quantum theories of mind and neurobiological mechanisms. The paper concludes that while a unified definition remains elusive, consciousness is an ontological subjective reality characterized by its internal, qualitative, and individual nature. Ultimately, the study emphasizes that any comprehensive theory of consciousness must account for the gap between neural signaling and the profound sense of self-awareness that defines human existence.