Progress in biophysics and molecular biology
August 1, 2024
Robert Lawrence Kuhn
121 citations
A landscape of explanations for consciousness is presented, ranging from physicalist to nonphysicalist theories. Categories include materialism theories, non-reductive physicalism, quantum theories, integrated information theory, panpsychisms, monisms, dualisms, idealisms, and others. Each theory is described from its adherents' perspective, with minimal critique and no adjudication. The implications of these theories are assessed regarding meaning, purpose, and value; AI consciousness; virtual immortality; and survival beyond death. The author suggests that this landscape offers perspective.
Current neurology and neuroscience reports
December 20, 2025
Robert Lawrence Kuhn
1 citation
A comprehensive, cross-disciplinary taxonomy called 'Landscape of Consciousness' organizes more than 350 theories of phenomenal consciousness across physicalist and non-physicalist traditions into 10 primary categories, including Materialism, Non-Reductive Physicalism, Quantum & Dimensions, Information, Panpsychisms, Monisms, Dualisms, Idealisms, and Anomalous & Altered States. Materialism, the largest category, contains 12 subcategories such as Neurobiological, Computational & Functionalism, and Embodied & Enactive. The taxonomy aims to encourage novel thinking among medical practitioners and neuroscientists by presenting theories neutrally in their authors' words. Two central theses are that understanding phenomenal consciousness should seek expansive yet rational diversity, and that issues like AI consciousness and free will depend on particular theories of consciousness.