Consciousness is a tricky idea closely linked to how our brains work.
Studies show that about 95% of our thoughts happen without us even realizing it. This means our subconscious mind plays a big part in our thinking.
Research on the brain highlights important areas, like the prefrontal cortex. This part helps us make decisions and understand ourselves. In fact, around 67% of the energy used by our brain goes into these tasks.
Brain imaging studies have also found that different patterns of brain activity relate to consciousness. For example, in a state of awareness, many parts of the brain work together. This is different from when we are not conscious, where only small areas are active. This suggests that there might be three active parts of the brain for every inactive part.
Even though our brain chemistry and activity are important, the personal experience of consciousness makes it hard to think of it as just an illusion.
Consciousness is a tricky idea closely linked to how our brains work.
Studies show that about 95% of our thoughts happen without us even realizing it. This means our subconscious mind plays a big part in our thinking.
Research on the brain highlights important areas, like the prefrontal cortex. This part helps us make decisions and understand ourselves. In fact, around 67% of the energy used by our brain goes into these tasks.
Brain imaging studies have also found that different patterns of brain activity relate to consciousness. For example, in a state of awareness, many parts of the brain work together. This is different from when we are not conscious, where only small areas are active. This suggests that there might be three active parts of the brain for every inactive part.
Even though our brain chemistry and activity are important, the personal experience of consciousness makes it hard to think of it as just an illusion.