Tackling the Hard Problem of Consciousness: Is It Solvable or Merely Illusive?

For decades, philosophers and scientists have grappled with the hard problem of consciousness, a term coined by Christof Koch and philosophers like David Chalmers. The hard problem refers to the difficulty of explaining how and why we experience qualia— subjective experiences that are often taken for granted. However, the Integrated Information Theory (IIT) offers a unique perspective that challenges this traditionally intractable issue.

Understanding the Hard Problem of Consciousness

The concept of the hard problem of consciousness was introduced by philosopher David Chalmers in 1995. According to Chalmers, even if we could explain all the functional aspects of consciousness, we would still be left with the question of why and how these functions give rise to subjective experience. In other words, the easy problems of consciousness (such as how the brain processes sensory information) are relatively straightforward, but the hard problem remains elusive.

Consciousness is often described as an enigma that is difficult to understand because it is not something we can directly observe or measure. However, some recent theories suggest that the hard problem may not be as insurmountable as it seems. Integrated Information Theory (IIT), developed by Giulio Tononi and Christof Koch, offers a fresh approach to this long-standing question.

The Role of Integrated Information Theory (IIT)

IIT posits that consciousness arises from the level of subjective awareness and not from the matter of the brain. In contrast to traditional perspectives that attempt to explain consciousness starting from matter to mind, IIT works in the opposite direction by starting from phenomenological axioms and then mapping back to the physical substrate of the brain. According to IIT, consciousness is a product of the integrated information that exists within a system, rather than a byproduct of its physical components.

Consciousness and Life: A Survival Mechanism

The question of consciousness is not just a matter of the hard problem but is deeply intertwined with the concept of life. In essence, consciousness can be viewed as a set of algorithms and material processing functions provided by the universe. It allows all living beings to process their environment and make decisions for survival.

From this perspective, self-consciousness is not the hard problem of consciousness; life is. Consciousness helps living beings learn to be aware of what fosters and advances their life. Whether it is a grub eating leaves, a tiger hunting prey, or a human deciding what to eat and when, all actions are driven by a conscious awareness of their life's circumstances.

Interestingly, while we can understand other animals in terms of their survival mechanisms, the same does not apply when it comes to humans. We cannot deeply understand another individual as we understand ourselves because we are all unique, and no one can truly know another's subjective experience as intimately as their own.

Is the Hard Problem Merely Illusive?

Despite the significant efforts made over the years, the hard problem of consciousness still seems to remain unresolved. However, the perception that it is an insurmountable problem may be partly due to how we frame the question. The phrase hard problem itself may have been coined to enhance the success rate of grant applications related to neurological research.

In fact, since the 1960s, the basics of how consciousness works have been well understood. Consciousness is a cognitive function that involves attention and the processing of signals. These signals are electrical impulses generated in the brain stem and processed in various brain regions. All experiences, including thoughts, emotions, sensations, and even consciousness itself, are simply electrical impulses conducted by chemicals within and between brain cells.

The pursuit of altering consciousness through natural methods like sleep or artificial ones via mind-altering drugs has often led us to imagine that consciousness is a magical or mystical phenomenon. In reality, it is an evolved survival mechanism that all animals, including humans, must have to endure and thrive. Without consciousness, an animal would be unable to eat, reproduce, or avoid predators. Thus, consciousness is not a magical or mystical phenomenon but a simple survival strategy that has allowed animals to adapt and persist.

Conclusion

The hard problem of consciousness may be more complex than it initially appears, but it is not insurmountable. Theories such as IIT offer a promising approach by reversing the traditional paradigm and focusing on the subjective experience. While the hard problem remains challenging, it is not an intractable mystery. Understanding consciousness is a continuing effort that involves integrating our knowledge of biology, neuroscience, and philosophy.