The Science of Consciousness : Where It is and Where It Should

This excellent book is aptly titled. It presents a closely argued analysis of the current state of consciousness studies and suggests a strategy of investigation, which the author believes is necessary to establish a robust science of consciousness. Before he introduces the details of his framework for a unified science of consciousness, Revonsuo makes the following broad assertions: 1. The field of consciousness research is far from being a true science because it lacks a unified research program. 2. A proper unified research program should fall within the conceptual and procedural framework of biological realism wherein explanations of conscious phenomena are expressed mainly in the terms of cognitive neuroscience. 3. Understanding of consciousness must be based on understanding the multilevel biological mechanisms which explain how conscious phenomena work. Revonsuo conceptualizes consciousness as the phenomenal level of organization in the brain. The fundamental questions to be answered by a proper science of consciousness are best stated in his own words. "How does the phenomenal level relate to other levels of organization in the brain? How could the phenomenal level be measured or observed empirically? How could it be conceptualized or modeled theoretically? What are the causal powers of entities and properties residing at the phenomenal level of organization?" Moreover, lest there be any doubt about his commitment to a completely biological explanation of conscious content, he makes the following statement.