Imagine you were trying to solve a complex puzzle, but instead of paying attention to the different shapes and colors of the pieces, you only focused on putting them together without understanding their meaning. That’s kind of what has been happening in the field of cognitive science of consciousness. While progress has been made, there has been a tendency to downplay conceptual issues, which can hinder our understanding of the complexities involved. By not fully considering these conceptual challenges, we may be underestimating the true difficulties of unraveling the mysteries of consciousness. This letter emphasizes that addressing these conceptual issues is crucial for further advancements in cognitive sciences. It highlights that by paying more attention to the underlying concepts, we can make significant strides in deepening our understanding of consciousness. So, it’s time to take a step back and reconsider our approach. Let’s not overlook the importance of conceptual issues and instead embrace them as key elements in unlocking the secrets of consciousness.
Abstract
In this letter we focus on the cognitive science of consciousness. The general message is that, while this interdisciplinary area has made much progress in recent years, there is a tendency of downplaying conceptual issues, and therefore underestimating the difficulties of various problems. We briefly focus on a few prominent examples only, due to the space limit, but the general message should be clear: this recent tendency can be problematic for the progress of the consciousness branch of cognitive sciences.
Dr. David Lowemann, M.Sc, Ph.D., is a co-founder of the Institute for the Future of Human Potential, where he leads the charge in pioneering Self-Enhancement Science for the Success of Society. With a keen interest in exploring the untapped potential of the human mind, Dr. Lowemann has dedicated his career to pushing the boundaries of human capabilities and understanding.
Armed with a Master of Science degree and a Ph.D. in his field, Dr. Lowemann has consistently been at the forefront of research and innovation, delving into ways to optimize human performance, cognition, and overall well-being. His work at the Institute revolves around a profound commitment to harnessing cutting-edge science and technology to help individuals lead more fulfilling and intelligent lives.
Dr. Lowemann’s influence extends to the educational platform BetterSmarter.me, where he shares his insights, findings, and personal development strategies with a broader audience. His ongoing mission is shaping the way we perceive and leverage the vast capacities of the human mind, offering invaluable contributions to society’s overall success and collective well-being.