The search for consciousness in the brain

pp. 21-41

in: John G. Taylor, Solving the mind-body problem by the CODAM neural model of consciousness?, Berlin, Springer, 2013

Abstract

If consciousness is created by brain activity, either solely or in part, then the traces of the relevant brain activity should be able to be observed by suitably subtle experiments and sensitive enough experimental apparatus. Such is the route that has been followed over the last few decades by increasing numbers of neuroscientists to search for what are called the "neural correlates of consciousness (NCC) but, however, with rather uncertain results. The main feature of this uncertainty is, I suspect, due to the lack of clarity as to what precisely is to be discovered. In other words there is the difficulty of what exactly the brain activity represents as part of the upcoming conscious experience of a given subject?