•  
  •  
 

Abstract

Our understanding of consciousness is quite possibly in need of further discussion, elaboration, and updating. What was once principally the domain of philosophical inquiry has entered the era of advanced research methods and biomedical ethics – both of which have influenced the need to reconsider this most challenging of topics. The challenge for those interested in consciousness is at least twofold: 1) to further operationally define what is meant by consciousness, with a greater understanding of how consciousness can be manifest, and 2) to better identify the neural mechanisms subserving the diverse presentations/manifestations of consciousness, and reconcile the developing literatures addressing human clinical, experimental, and animal behavioral research. Advances in medical technology allows modern medicine to keep people alive despite a paucity of evidence to suggest they are sentient according to the traditional use of the word. And yet, prolonging and sustaining life has provided an opportunity to further study the human brain during these states of ostensible non-consciousness, thus offering additional insights into the functional consequences of severe neural trauma. And, it is here that researchers have discovered issues of concern with respect to how we make determinations of conscious awareness and evaluations of “life worth living”. Indeed, it is at this juncture of biology, phylogeny (i.e., trans-species perspective), neurology, and cognitive/affective psychology that researchers are most likely to find answers to questions – or at least more questions that demand answers.

Download

Share

COinS