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Peter W Halligan, Hon Professor of Neuropsychology, Cardiff University

Why consciousness may have evolved to benefit society rather than individuals

Brain
Shot4Sell/Shutterstock

Why did the experience of consciousness evolve from our underlying brain physiology? Despite being a vibrant area of neuroscience, current research on consciousness is characterised by disagreement and controversy – with several rival theories in contention.

A recent scoping review of over 1,000 articles identified over 20 different theoretical accounts. Philosophers like David Chalmers argue that no single scientific theory can truly explain consciousness.

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