Part 5/17:

Bach contrasts the phenomenological approach with the mechanistic view: identifying neural correlates such as the default mode network, insula, prefrontal cortex, and their interactions. However, linking these physical mechanisms to subjective experience remains a "hard problem," a term coined by David Chalmers.

He discusses classic philosophical positions:

• Epiphenomenalism: consciousness as a causally inert byproduct.

• Mysterianism: consciousness fundamentally incomprehensible.

• Illusionism: consciousness doesn't exist as a genuine phenomenon.

• Panpsychism: consciousness as a fundamental property intrinsic to matter.

• Consciousness as primary: the physical world is a projection of consciousness itself.