Is It All in Your Head?

Abstract

Is consciousness all in our heads, as neuroscience contends, or does it derive, to some extent, from an alternative source?  This article explores how far modern science has taken us.  Through human and animal studies, investigators have produced a comprehensive mapping of areas in the brain and cerebral networks associated with our various senses and feelings.  To what extent have they succeeded in explaining consciousness?  In response, this article also details the many philosophical objections to neuroscientific assumptions.  In particular, I cite skepticism about how, in the words of David Chalmers, “mental events emerge from physiological occurrences.”  To attempt at resolving the neuroscience-vs-philosopher dilemma, this article proposes two possible alternative solutions:  templates and holograms.