We Consciousness Researchers Have Failed You

6 hours ago

The author expresses intense frustration with Michael Pollan's book on consciousness, despite its popularity and Pollan's writing skills.
Consciousness research is criticized for being stagnant and repetitive, centered around the same key figures and theories for decades.
There is a pressing need to address practical implications of consciousness, such as AI rights and societal instability due to scientific ignorance.
The author refutes defeatist views, arguing that definitional clarity exists and modern scientific effort on consciousness is relatively new (only ~30 years).
Severe underfunding is highlighted, with minimal grants allocated to consciousness research compared to other fields like particle physics.
The proliferation of untested theories without rigorous selection methods has hindered progress, leading to a 'thousand flowers bloom' problem.
The author announces personal action through Bicameral Labs, aiming to test consciousness theories systematically and reduce unsubstantiated claims.
Consciousness research is framed as urgent, with potential existential risks if left unsolved, requiring collective effort and funding.

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