The “Hard Problem” of Consciousness

Whereas the "soft problem" of consciousness refers to how our brain works and what functions it serves, the "hard problem" is about the question: Why do we have conscious experience at all? Why, for example, is there the actual experience of seeing red itself? What is it that makes the collection of neurons we call “the brain” able to have conscious experience of the world? And could physics and neuroscience have the key to understanding it? No, answers philosopher David Chalmers in his book The Conscious Mind: In Search of a Fundamental Theory.

In this thoroughly researched, philosophically sophisticated, and relatively accessible book, Chalmers argues that consciousness cannot be explained within a basic materialist worldview, and calls for an approach that nearly approaches panpsychism, the idea that nearly everything in the universe has some amount of conscious experience, however tiny.

Join the Syracuse Philosophy club for our first session of 2026 as we explore the startling conclusions of one of the most influential books on consciousness in recent years. I’ll cover some of his philosophical jargon and try to explain his basic arguments. Along the way, we’ll explore a number of “thought experiments:” Philosophical zombies, Mary’s room, as well as what he calls “fading qualia” and “dancing qualia.”

No philosophical background will be necessary - just come ready to think! I promise you will exercise your mind and learn something new.

Will link a sheet of notes here before the meeting.