The question of what it means to be conscious—to experience the world subjectively—has long captivated philosophers and, more recently, scientists. Now, author Michael Pollan is diving deep into this “hard problem” of consciousness, exploring not just how we are aware, but why. His new book, “A World Appears: A Journey Into Consciousness,” builds on his previous explorations of altered states of mind, from plants to psychedelics, to illuminate the remarkably nature of experience.
Pollan, known for books like “This Is Your Mind on Plants” and “How to Change Your Mind,” approaches the subject through a multidisciplinary lens, drawing from science, literature, philosophy, spirituality, and even the insights gained from psychedelic experiences. The core of his inquiry, as he explained in a recent interview, centers around a challenge posed by philosopher David Chalmers in 1994: how does three pounds of brain tissue give rise to subjective experience—that inner voice and sense of self? Why isn’t everything the brain does simply automatic?
This isn’t a new area of scientific study, but it’s one that was largely ignored for decades. According to Pollan, consciousness wasn’t considered a “respectable subject” for scientists until the late 1980s. Since then, neuroscientists have been grappling with the question of how to bridge the gap between the physical brain and the intangible realm of awareness. The author will discuss his work with Louisa Thomas, a staff writer at The New Yorker, on Thursday at the First Parish Church in Cambridge.
The “Hard Problem” and the Scope of Awareness
The brain is constantly performing a vast number of functions without our conscious awareness. Pollan’s work seeks to understand why some processes break through into our conscious experience while others remain hidden. This distinction is central to the “hard problem” Chalmers identified—the difficulty of explaining qualitative experience, or “qualia,” in purely physical terms. What does it feel like to see red, to hear music, or to experience joy? These subjective sensations are what consciousness is fundamentally about.
The exploration extends beyond the human experience, prompting questions about whether consciousness is unique to our species. The Harvard Gazette noted a question raised by Pollan’s work: does a Venus flytrap, capable of responding to stimuli, possess a form of consciousness? This highlights the broader challenge of defining consciousness and identifying its presence in different life forms.
Psychedelics and the Re-Emergence of Consciousness Research
Pollan’s previous work, particularly “How to Change Your Mind,” explored the potential therapeutic benefits of psychedelics. He’s now observing a resurgence of research into these substances at universities across the United States. More than a dozen institutions are investigating the constructive uses of mushrooms, ecstasy, and other consciousness-altering drugs, with a focus on scientific and medical applications.
This renewed interest is fueled by promising research into the treatment of conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. Pollan predicts that MDMA will likely receive FDA approval as a treatment for PTSD within the year, and psilocybin for depression should follow in a couple of years. He anticipates that insurance coverage will grow available once these treatments are approved.
Harvard University is playing a key role in this research through its Study of Psychedelics in Society and Culture initiative, established with a $16 million gift from the Gracias Family Foundation. Pollan is helping oversee fellowships within this program, which aims to integrate expertise from various disciplines, including divinity and law, alongside the sciences.
Beyond Medicine: Religious and Recreational Uses
While medical applications are a primary focus, Pollan identifies two other “containers” for the re-entry of psychedelics into society: religious and recreational uses. This suggests a broader societal conversation about the role of altered states of consciousness and their potential impact on personal and collective well-being. The author’s work acknowledges the complex ethical and social considerations surrounding these substances, moving beyond purely scientific inquiry.
The Ongoing Quest to Understand the Mind
Pollan’s exploration of consciousness isn’t about providing definitive answers, but rather about illuminating the complexity of the question itself. He’s contributing to a growing body of research that challenges traditional assumptions about the mind and its relationship to the body. His work encourages a deeper examination of our own subjective experiences and a more nuanced understanding of the world around us.
As research into psychedelics and consciousness continues, the conversation is likely to evolve, prompting further investigation into the nature of reality, the self, and the potential for human transformation. The next step in Harvard’s initiative will be the selection of fellows for the Study of Psychedelics in Society and Culture program, furthering the interdisciplinary exploration of these complex topics.
What does it mean to be conscious? It’s a question that continues to drive scientific inquiry and philosophical debate, and Michael Pollan’s latest work offers a compelling contribution to this ongoing exploration. Share your thoughts on the nature of consciousness in the comments below.
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