Center for Mind, Brain and Consciousness
An interdisciplinary research center at New York University dedicated to exploring fundamental questions about consciousness, cognition, and their neural bases through philosophical and scientific approaches.
Center for Mind, Brain and Consciousness
The Center for Mind, Brain and Consciousness (CMBC) at New York University represents a pioneering institutional approach to studying the intersection of philosophy, neuroscience, and consciousness studies. Co-directed by David Chalmers and Ned Block, the center serves as a crucial hub for interdisciplinary research into the nature of mind and consciousness.
Mission and Focus
The center's primary mission encompasses:
- Investigating the hard problem of consciousness through multiple methodological approaches
- Bridging the gap between philosophical theories and empirical research
- Fostering dialogue between different approaches to studying consciousness
- Supporting innovative research projects in consciousness studies
Research Areas
Philosophical Investigations
- phenomenal consciousness and its relationship to physical processes
- mental causation and free will
- The nature of perception and perceptual experience
- cognitive architecture and mental representation
Scientific Studies
- neural correlates of consciousness
- attention and awareness
- metacognition and self-awareness
- consciousness and altered states
Academic Activities
Events and Programs
The center regularly hosts:
- International conferences on consciousness studies
- Weekly research seminars
- Public lectures by prominent scholars
- Graduate student workshops
Research Initiatives
- Collaborative projects between philosophers and neuroscientists
- experimental philosophy studies
- Cross-cultural investigations of consciousness
- artificial intelligence research
Impact on the Field
The CMBC has contributed significantly to:
- Development of new experimental paradigms for studying consciousness
- Integration of philosophical and scientific approaches
- Training of next-generation consciousness researchers
- Public understanding of mind-brain relationships
Educational Role
The center plays a vital role in:
- Graduate education in philosophy and neuroscience
- interdisciplinary research training
- Professional development for early-career researchers
- Public outreach and science communication
Notable Collaborations
The center maintains active partnerships with:
- neuroscience worldwide
- Philosophy departments globally
- Clinical research facilities
- cognitive science institutes
Future Directions
Current and emerging research priorities include:
- artificial consciousness
- integrated information theory
- virtual reality studies
- Cross-species consciousness investigation
Resources and Facilities
The center provides:
- Research laboratories
- Neuroimaging facilities
- Computing resources
- Conference and seminar spaces
- scientific methodology equipment
Through its various activities and initiatives, the Center for Mind, Brain and Consciousness continues to push the boundaries of our understanding of consciousness while fostering collaboration between different approaches to studying the mind-brain relationship.