Consciousness and Beyond

Philosophy

The Matrix Problem: Can We Trust Our Minds and Our Senses?

Damian K. F. Pang M.Sc. on March 29, 2024

How can we tell if our perception is truly real instead of part of a dream or a computer simulation? A dream in ancient China triggered deep questions about reality.

How can we tell if our perception is truly real instead of part of a dream or a computer simulation? A dream in ancient China triggered deep questions about reality.

Cognition

How Psychology Helped Design Safer Airplanes

Damian K. F. Pang M.Sc. on March 13, 2024

Frequent crashes by experienced pilots shed light on the importance of human factors and triggered a revolution that impacts everything from smartphones to aviation safety.

Frequent crashes by experienced pilots shed light on the importance of human factors and triggered a revolution that impacts everything from smartphones to aviation safety.

Neuroscience

Could We One Day Upload Our Minds to a Computer?

Damian K. F. Pang M.Sc. on February 26, 2024

Transhumanism involves the use of technology to enhance humans, including by uploading our minds onto a computer. For now, the idea remains firmly in the realm of science fiction.

Transhumanism involves the use of technology to enhance humans, including by uploading our minds onto a computer. For now, the idea remains firmly in the realm of science fiction.

Cognition

The Cognitive Revolution: Unlocking the Secrets of the Mind

Damian K. F. Pang M.Sc. on December 26, 2023

The cognitive sciences have impacted many disciplines, including aviation safety, business practices, and school curricula. This is the result of the cognitive revolution.

The cognitive sciences have impacted many disciplines, including aviation safety, business practices, and school curricula. This is the result of the cognitive revolution.

Neuroscience

A Brief History of Neuroscience

Damian K. F. Pang M.Sc. on December 18, 2023

The story of neuroscience had many twists and turns that were fuelled by new inventions, competing theories, and bitter rivalries. Here is a brief history of neuroscience.

The story of neuroscience had many twists and turns that were fuelled by new inventions, competing theories, and bitter rivalries. Here is a brief history of neuroscience.

Neuroscience

How Our Neurobiology Shapes Our Daily Lives

Damian K. F. Pang M.Sc. on December 6, 2023

A better understanding of our neurobiology could help us make desired changes and lead healthier, happier, more fulfilled lives.

A better understanding of our neurobiology could help us make desired changes and lead healthier, happier, more fulfilled lives.

Neuroscience

The Staggering Complexity of the Human Brain

Damian K. F. Pang M.Sc. on September 2, 2023

Billions of neurons and trillions of connections are only one part of the brain's astounding complexity. Its function and how it produces consciousness is an even greater mystery.

Billions of neurons and trillions of connections are only one part of the brain's astounding complexity. Its function and how it produces consciousness is an even greater mystery.

Artificial Intelligence

What a Mysterious Chinese Room Can Tell Us About Consciousness

Damian K. F. Pang M.Sc. on August 3, 2023

How a simple thought experiment changed our views on computer and AI sentience.

How a simple thought experiment changed our views on computer and AI sentience.

Sleep

The Mysteries of an Aware Mind in an Unresponsive Body

Damian K. F. Pang M.Sc. on July 28, 2023

What is it like to be trapped inside an unresponsive body? A look at the inspirational stories, creative scientific approaches, and how meaning can be found in adversity.

What is it like to be trapped inside an unresponsive body? A look at the inspirational stories, creative scientific approaches, and how meaning can be found in adversity.

Wisdom

Ancient Concepts of the Mind, Brain (and Soul)

Damian K. F. Pang M.Sc. on June 28, 2023

How did ancient cultures view the mind and brain? A brief look at three ancient civilizations shows that our understanding of the mind and neuroscience is a modern concept.

How did ancient cultures view the mind and brain? A brief look at three ancient civilizations shows that our understanding of the mind and neuroscience is a modern concept.

Unconscious

Why Pink Doesn't Exist: Lessons in Perception and Reality

Damian K. F. Pang M.Sc. on May 29, 2023

The colour pink has a long history, but it doesn’t exist. Examining this colour and untangling sensation from perception can help us get a better understanding of ultimate reality.

The colour pink has a long history, but it doesn’t exist. Examining this colour and untangling sensation from perception can help us get a better understanding of ultimate reality.

Cognition

The Many Dimensions of Consciousness

Damian K. F. Pang M.Sc. on May 19, 2023

Consciousness is still mysterious and hard to describe and measure. One of the reasons is that it involves many different dimensions. Here we look at two of the main ones.

Consciousness is still mysterious and hard to describe and measure. One of the reasons is that it involves many different dimensions. Here we look at two of the main ones.

Artificial Intelligence

Why Does ChatGPT Feel So Human?

Damian K. F. Pang M.Sc. on May 14, 2023

AI-powered chatbots have become a huge sensation. Talking to them can feel like interacting with real human beings. Here are 5 reasons why we feel this way.

AI-powered chatbots have become a huge sensation. Talking to them can feel like interacting with real human beings. Here are 5 reasons why we feel this way.

Neuroscience

What Is Consciousness?

Damian K. F. Pang M.Sc. on May 6, 2023

Consciousness is at the core of every experience we ever had. Yet, it is still poorly understood and difficult to define. So, what exactly is this thing called consciousness?

Consciousness is at the core of every experience we ever had. Yet, it is still poorly understood and difficult to define. So, what exactly is this thing called consciousness?