Speak for Yourself!

Jim Newman

Keith Sutherland:

but what constitutes evidence in the field of consciousness studies? The reason most of us study consciousness is because of our subjective experience. Unfortunately the study of phenomenal experience has been largely ignored throughout this century, as a result of flaws in earlier crude attempts. But until consciousness as-such is studied in a methodical way we will have no progress in the field. Bernie Baars has made this point repeatedly and there is a fine paper on the topic by Varela forthcoming in JCS.

Keith, please speak for yourself. The reason I study consciousness is because is an important scientific problem. Since Baars and I have collaborated on this problem for a decade, I think I can at least speak for him when I say that THAT is the primary "reason" for most cognitive scientists. I just reviewed a paper by Varela that should eventually appear in *Consciousness & Cognition*. It is all about the importance of "resonant cell assembles" providing the the neuronal synchony for global cognitive functions. Varela is also one of the best known proponents of the study of phenomenal experience, but as a neuroscientist he seems to be equally committed to elucidating the neurophsyological basis of consciousness. We need both to build a complete theory.

"Until consciousness as-such is studied in a methodical way" is happening NOW, Keith.

Jim Newman