Consciousness defines our existence  but its scientific nature remains unknown How does the brain produce consciousness  and how does consciousness causally affect brain processes? Is consciousness equivalent to computation? What are the best empirical theories  and do we have free will? How and when did consciousness evolve  or has it been present in the universe all along? What are the origins of moral and aesthetic values  and how can mental and cognitive function be optimized? Can consciousness persist after bodily death  e