Main content

Why are we conscious?

It turns out that much of what we do – much of our behaviour – can be conducted at an unconscious level. That raises a profound question. What is the point of consciousness?

It turns out that much of what we do – much of our behaviour – can be conducted at an unconscious level. That raises a profound question. What is the point of consciousness? What evolutionary advantage does consciousness bestow? We speak to psychologists and neuroscientists for the answer. And we ask a philosopher whether science can ever unravel the deep mysteries of consciousness. The programme is guaranteed to hurt your brain.

Presenter and producer: David Edmonds
Editor: Richard Knight

(Photo: / Credit: Doorway to another world - stock photo. Getty Images)

Available now

24 minutes

Last on

Mon 7 Sep 2020 19:06GMT

Broadcasts

  • Mon 4 Nov 2019 09:06GMT
  • Mon 4 Nov 2019 13:32GMT
  • Mon 4 Nov 2019 18:06GMT
  • Mon 4 Nov 2019 21:06GMT
  • Mon 4 Nov 2019 23:06GMT
  • Tue 5 Nov 2019 02:32GMT
  • Tue 5 Nov 2019 03:32GMT
  • Mon 7 Sep 2020 01:32GMT
  • Mon 7 Sep 2020 08:06GMT
  • Mon 7 Sep 2020 14:06GMT
  • Mon 7 Sep 2020 15:32GMT
  • Mon 7 Sep 2020 19:06GMT

Get the podcast

Subscribe or download individual episodes for free

Why do we look the way we do?

Tattoos, trainers, jeans, hair, ties ... why?

Podcast