Professor Roger Walsh* delves into the nature and purpose of human consciousness. He believes it is essential to approach the question of consciousness from multiple perspectives including evolutionary theory, biology, neuroscience, cultural studies, and spiritual studies. Each discipline provides a unique insight into consciousness.
Evolutionary theorists are divided: some view consciousness as an accidental byproduct, while others see it as essential for survival, a sophisticated means through which DNA replicates.
Neuroscientists generally posit that consciousness arises from the brain's processes.
Those in cultural studies argue that our consciousness is largely shaped by the culture we grow up in.
From a spiritual or contemplative perspective, it's believed that the primary state of human consciousness is somewhat clouded. Therefore, one of the primary tasks of consciousness might be to refine and understand itself better. The meditative traditions provide methods for this, emphasizing the cultivation of awareness, clarity, and positive emotions like love and compassion. They view enlightenment or the awakening of consciousness to its true nature as the ultimate goal.
Scientifically, while certain aspects of consciousness can be studied, like the neurophysiology of those in enlightened states, there are limitations to our understanding. The contemplative traditions suggest that individuals can use their minds as laboratories to personally investigate the claims made about consciousness. Professor Walsh acknowledges the tension between the desire for a definitive answer about the ultimate purpose of consciousness and the recognition of science's limitations in providing that answer.
*Pr. Roger Walsh is an Australian professor of Psychiatry, Philosophy and Anthropology at the University of California, Irvine, in the Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, within UCI's College of Medicine
See the interview on YouTube channel of "Closer to Truth"