Philosophy of Mind: Consciousness, Qualia, and the Hard Problem

Abstract

This article examines central debates in the philosophy of mind, focusing on the mind-body relationship and the problem of consciousness. It traces the development from Cartesian substance dualism to contemporary physicalism, functionalism, and property dualism, with particular attention to phenomenal consciousness, qualia, and Chalmers’ “hard problem” of consciousness. The article argues that while functionalism can explain many cognitive functions—the so-called “easy problems”—it struggles to account for why subjective experience arises at all. By discussing the Turing Test, Searle’s Chinese Room argument, Integrated Information Theory, and Global Workspace Theory, the article highlights both the contributions and limitations of artificial intelligence and neuroscience in explaining consciousness. Ultimately, it concludes that the subjective character of experience remains a central unresolved challenge in the philosophy of mind.