Not apart from but part of the Universe

Besides the allure of basic science, there are important practical motivations for studying consciousness. 

Neurological and psychiatric disorders are increasingly common and can often be framed as disturbances of conscious experience.

 Consciousness science promises new approaches and perhaps new treatments for these scourges of modern society. New theories and experiments can also shed light on consciousness in newborns and in non-human animals, adding critical information to important ethical debates in these areas. But above all, consciousness science carries the promise of understanding more about our place in nature. Following Darwin and Copernicus, a biological account of conscious experience will help us see ourselves as part of, not apart from, the rest of the universe.

Anil Seth, Professor of Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience
Co-Director, Sackler Centre for Consciousness Science, University of Sussex

Part of Ann Veronica Janssens: yellowbluepink

The above is an extract of an exhibition at the Welcome Institute in London