Explaining Qualia: A Proposed Theoretical Framework for Addressing the Hard Problem of Consciousness
Leandro Castelluccio preprint
The hard problem of consciousness—why and how physical brain processes give rise to subjective, ineffable qualia—remains unresolved in philosophy and cognitive science. This theoretical paper proposes a novel framework that integrates philosophy of mind and neuroscience to explain qualia. The model challenges reductionist views that equate consciousness solely with brain function, arguing that subjective experience transcends corresponding brain activity and involves non-physical information. It emphasizes the centrality of identity in conscious phenomena and rejects exclusive reliance on information integration theories. Human consciousness is distinguished from artificial intelligence as vital for sustaining emotions, genuine comprehension, and complex behaviors. The paper advocates for a holistic, dualistic perspective recognizing a non-material dimension of consciousness.