David W . Salt A Truly Hard Problem A Review of ‘ Neural Correlates of Consciousness

This collection of papers presents a very wide range of findings both empirical and conceptual, as its sub-title suggests. It is undoubtedly an essential textbook for anyone interested in the study of consciousness whatever their background. Some of the papers in this collection are destined to become classic foundational studies in the emerging study of the neural correlates of consciousness. Others are less likely to stand the test of time but in the state of our current theories still make outstanding contributions to our understanding and interpretation of NCC research. However, there are also inevitable problems with this collection which must be addressed in order to write an honest review. The first problem is that to fully understand every contribution to the volume would require a breadth of expertise that few of us possess. The empirical findings of neuroscientists stand alongside works of pure philosophy whilst agency and social cognition are also given coverage. Many of the contributions recognize the inherent problems, for instance that some working neuroscientists have little time for philosophizing preferring to get on with the empirical work. It is impossible to come to such a collection without bringing some personal baggage which will influence our viewpoints and great care needs to be exercised in criticising work not in our own primary subject areas. A secondary, though related, problem is that sometimes you can’t see the emperor’s new clothes and sometimes you’d swear the authors have never heard of Ockham’s razor. This is not meant to be a cheap jibe but a recognition of the difficulties inherent in assembling such a collection and the inevitable pitfalls of