A comment from the article below:


"First, the brain has been hypothesized and may yet be proven to function as a collection of various subconscious parts which each manifest in the consciousness only when "the executive" part of the brain gives that particular subconscious the opportunity to be conscious. So, those subconscious parts might be picking up on your voice or touch despite the patient being unconscious.

Second, a brain scan might detect conventional signals, but how well does a standard EEG identify ALL signals that can potentially result in the EMERGENT consciousness. Remember, consciousness might not be something that can be detected. Perhaps we can only detect a fraction of brain activities that can lead to the unmeasurable emergent thing called consciousness."

The comment highlights the complexity of consciousness and the limitations of our current understanding. While it oversimplifies some aspects, it correctly emphasizes the importance of subconscious processing, the limitations of brain scans, and the emergent nature of consciousness.

Further Points to Consider:

  • Integrated Information Theory (IIT): This theory proposes that consciousness is related to the amount of integrated information a system can generate. It suggests that consciousness is not just about the complexity of the system but also about how interconnected the different parts are.


  • Global Workspace Theory: This theory suggests that consciousness arises from a "global workspace" in the brain where information from different modules is integrated and broadcast. This workspace allows for a unified and coherent experience of the world.
The study of consciousness is an ongoing and fascinating endeavor. As our understanding of the brain evolves and our technology advances, we'll likely gain a deeper appreciation of this enigmatic phenomenon.