Subjective Experience

Subjective Experience

A close-up of a spotted nudibranch with translucent, pointed cerata on a brown underwater branch against a black background, inviting reflection on the intricate nature of consciousness in marine life.
In this excerpt from "One Hand Clapping," Nikolay Kukushkin makes the case that neurons reveal how memory, meaning, and even consciousness emerge from the same biological roots in humans, sea slugs, and beyond.
Abstract illustration featuring five circles with various designs connected by curved white lines on a purple and blue background, symbolizing science or interconnected concepts.
A conversation with Annaka Harris on shared perception, experimental science, and why our intuition about consciousness is wrong.
A red door with a gold doorknob is floating in the middle of a blue sky surrounded by white clouds.
"Ordinary dreams are, perhaps, the clearest articulation of what it is like to be."
Five books on consciousness and philosophy are displayed upright in a row against a pale background with abstract black lines.
These expert-recommended books try to answer the questions of consciousness, from its fundamental nature to its role in human experience and the natural world.
A digital illustration of a hermit crab with a shell resembling a human brain, shown in two square sections over the shell.
A conversation about intelligence and consciousness with philosopher Peter Godfrey-Smith.
Black and white close-up of an older man with glasses, a bushy mustache, and beard, resting his chin on his hand and looking directly at the camera.
"For many people, the idea that consciousness is a set of tricks is offensive," the late philosopher told Big Think in 2012. "I think that's a prime mistake."
Abstract illustration of a human figure with glowing neural-like lines and bright light concentrated around the head, set against a red and orange gradient background.
Introducing Big Think's Consciousness Issue.