ABSTRACT
The study of the nervous system and its functions is fascinating and complex. One of the most intriguing in this field is how neurobiology produces conscious states; the notorious problem of consciousness (the brain and mind). For this study, a knowledge of both neuroanatomy and physiology is required, as well as of linguistic and philosophical issues. For this reason, this is a topic that is feared or avoided by medical students. The student wishing to begin this chapter of neuroscience faces a question: where to start? There is a vast amount of information on the subject, and the starting point, in general, can be biology, psychology or philosophy. This essay suggests one of several possible means of guiding those seeking preliminary information on the subject. Some students have difficulty with the subject because they lack the fundamental concepts needed, or they do not know the theories defended, but are focused on subject from a purely biological perspective. This work begins by presenting three conceptual possibilities for the word ‘conscience’, and some language limitations related to it. Next, it gives a succinct overview of neurobiology, with emphasis on neuronal electrochemical activity. The theories of consciousness are outlined, giving the points of view of two authors: David Chalmers and Daniel Dennett. This choice of authors demonstrates that such theories have pendular movement: starting with Descartes and his dualist theory at one extreme, passing through other intermediate theories, and reaching the reductionist materialists at the opposite extreme. The methodology consists of a literature search of scientific articles on the subject. Finally, although the majority argue that consciousness is a biochemical phenomenon, because in order to have consciousness there must be a brain, there are also those who argue that consciousness is not an attribute of matter. Discussions like these should be encouraged, and based on theoretical studies.
Consciousness; Brain; Mind; Neuroscience