Motivated by Darwin’s theory of evolution, we think consciousness must have a function. We think consciousness must play some role in our behaviour, and be able to cause and influence what we do. We think about raising our left arm, and then it raises. Surely consciousness has causal power. But this is an illusion, writes Helen Yetter-Chappell.

For more on Darwin vs Consciousness, the world’s largest philosophy and music festival, HowTheLightGetsIn, will be hosting a debate this May. Featuring Denis Noble, Stuart Hameroff, Antonella Tramacere and Güneş Taylor debating whether consciousness and the theory of evolution are incompatible.

You go up to a food truck and order a falafel wrap. Why? Because you felt hungry. You grab a hot pan on the stove, and you pull your hand back, yelping. Why? Because touching the pan hurt. Our world is filled not just with physical objects around us, but with conscious experiences. And our conscious experiences guide us in our interactions with the world. Nothing could be more obvious.