Understanding consciousness: neural, cognitive, and philosophical perspectives

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Consciousness is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that has intrigued scientists, philosophers, and thinkers for centuries. It encompasses awareness, perception, and the diverse phenomenal experiences that characterize human mental life. With advances in neuroscience and cognitive science, we are now better equipped to explore the neural correlates and cognitive processes underpinning consciousness. However, the debate continues as to how, and if, these physical processes translate into subjective experiences. Integrating philosophical perspectives with empirical research offers a more comprehensive understanding of consciousness, bridging the gap between objective observation and subjective experience.

This Research Topic aims to bridge the disciplines of neuroscience, cognitive science, and philosophy to unravel the enigma of consciousness. By addressing questions about how neural processes give rise to conscious experience, we can delve deeper into the mechanisms underlying phenomenal awareness and the nature of subjective reality. Our goal is to achieve a multidimensional understanding of consciousness that incorporates empirical findings into theoretical frameworks. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, we seek to advance our understanding of consciousness and address long-standing philosophical questions about the mind-body connection, the nature of self, and the boundaries of conscious experience.

Submissions can include original research articles, reviews, theoretical papers, and perspectives that contribute to a richer understanding of consciousness from both scientific and philosophical viewpoints. All contributions should aim to demonstrate explanatory power, either by shedding light on the nature of consciousness, by providing insight into the mechanisms underlying conscious processes, by offering a conclusive explanation of the conditions that must be fulfilled to form conscious states, or by providing clear criteria and conceptual guidelines for the assessment of theories of consciousness. We invite submissions that explore various dimensions of consciousness, including but not limited to:

• Neural correlates and brain networks associated with conscious experience

• Cognitive processes and mechanisms underlying consciousness

• Philosophical inquiries into the nature of consciousness and self-awareness

• Cross-disciplinary approaches integrating empirical research with philosophical analysis

• The significance of research into altered states of consciousness for revealing the principles behind conscious processes

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Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• ... View all formats

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Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Consciousness, Neural correlates, cognitive, philosophy

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.