# What is the Hard Problem, Really? **URL:** \ **Category:** Philosophy\ **Created:** [February 12, 2026, 2:03pm UTC](https://forum.centerforinquiry.org/t/what-is-the-hard-problem-really/11898 "2026-02-12T14:03:44Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 1\ **Showing post:** 2
**Author:** ![citizenschallengev4](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/forum.centerforinquiry.org/citizenschallengev4/32/28718_2.png) [@citizenschallengev4](https://forum.centerforinquiry.org/u/citizenschallengev4)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2026, 5:21pm UTC](https://forum.centerforinquiry.org/t/what-is-the-hard-problem-really/11898/2 "2026-02-12T17:21:39Z")
> [@lausten](#): > > It appears that even a complete specification of a creature in physical terms leaves unanswered the question of whether or not the creature is conscious. And it seems that **we can easily conceive of** creatures just like us physically and functionally that nonetheless lack consciousness. > [@lausten](#): > > This indicates that a physical explanation of consciousness is fundamentally incomplete: it leaves out what it is like to be the subject, _for_ the subject. > [@lausten](#): > > There seems to be an unbridgeable _explanatory gap_ between the physical world and consciousness. > [@lausten](#): > > the nature of that chemistry and force is still left unexplained. > [@lausten](#): > > If we have a formula that explains consciousness or can point out the parts that create it, does that bring us closer to caring about the future of life here on Earth? * * * > [@lausten](#): > > there may still remain a further unanswered question: _Why is the performance of these functions accompanied by experience?_ No time, The point is that it requires the entire living being engaged with the reality of the moment to feel. matter pushing against matter. What’s missing. Energy and how biology has learn to manipulate it, is the magic. The moment can be no other way. Not a single one of those question or observations addressed try reality of the moment and living biological being be a part of it. The difference between a postcard and being there. Feels to me a no brainer. And I have more than opinions and words, and arguments from credulity. > [@Medieval philosophy simply won’t cut it anymore](https://forum.centerforinquiry.org/t/medieval-philosophy-simply-won-t-cut-it-anymore/11896): > > Descartes’, “I THINK THEREFORE I AM” might be the most profound sentence written. It is a quintessential crystalized conception regarding our human condition, our psychology and our introspective human mind — but, it has zero to do with the physical biological world that we are embedded within and the world that created our body/brain, which in turn produces our mind full of thoughts. Heck, think about it, Descartes lived and died befor… > [@Considering Things Science Can Explain About Consciousness](https://forum.centerforinquiry.org/t/considering-things-science-can-explain-about-consciousness/11866): > > This feels good, after all the distractions and roadblocks, etc - I’ve had the days to focus, pull it all together, and spell it out. I posted it at [Medium.com](https://medium.com/@pmiesler/considering-things-science-can-explain-about-consciousness-903cefa12b39?postPublishedType=repub), over there it can be listened to, while reading. But one needs to sign up, but it’s free. Lausten I owe you a thanks, without your regular feedback this would be half of what I think it is. Why On Earth Are You Even Aware? Introduction I’ve started posting at [medium.com](http://medium.com) hoping to a… --- _[View the full topic](https://forum.centerforinquiry.org/t/what-is-the-hard-problem-really/11898)._