Solving the Phenomenal Binding Problem: Topological Segmentation as the Correct Explanation Space

Building a Science of Consciousness by Qualia Research Institute

Episode notes

In this episode, we discuss the 'binding problem' of consciousness, and how it can be broken down into manageable subcomponents. We suggest that any solution to the binding problem must avoid strong emergence, side-step the hard problem of consciousness, circumvent epiphenomenalism, and be compatible with the modern scientific word picture. We then explain that "the binding problem" as stated is in fact conceptually insoluble, and should be reformulated as the "boundary problem". Finally, we present what we believe is a plausible solution to the boundary problem: topological segmentation.