The Science of Consciousness (TSC) is the world’s largest and longest-running interdisciplinary conference on all aspects of the nature of conscious awareness, feelings and existence.

These include how the brain produces consciousness, how consciousness can causally affect brain processes, the best empirical theories, do we have free will, evolution of life and consciousness, the origins of moral and aesthetic values, how to improve mental, physical and cognitive function, and whether consciousness can persist after bodily death, e.g. through “uploading” to machines, or via mental processes tied to the structure of reality. These and other relevant questions are approached through many disciplines in science, philosophy, business, the arts and contemplative practices.

TSC began in 1994 at the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona, and returns to Tucson in even-numbered years, alternating with TSC conferences around the globe (Italy, Denmark, Japan, Hungary, Hong Kong, Sweden, Czech Republic, India and, most recently, Helsinki, Finland in 2015). Now, co-sponsored by the Center for Consciousness Studies at the University of Arizona, and Crystal Globe, Shanghai, China, the 23^rd annual TSC will be held at the new Shanghai Disneyland Resort, June 6-9, 2017, emphasizing modern concepts in the light of ancient traditions.

For example, many see the brain as a computer, with consciousness emerging from complex computation among brain neurons, or from as-yet-unknown circuits or features of biological matter and energy. This approach motivates “brain mapping,” artificial intelligence (AI) and efforts to “upload” human minds into conscious machines. On the other hand, some see consciousness as a fundamental property of the universe, akin to mass, spin or charge, rather than emerging from them. These approaches include panpsychism, dualism, idealism, Eastern philosophy, Whitehead, quantum physics and cosmology.

The conference will consist of Plenary talk sessions, Concurrent talk sessions, Posters, Technology and Art Exhibits, Social Events, Entertainment, Pre-conference Workshops and Satellite Excursions. Abstract submissions are invited for consideration for Plenary and Concurrent Talks, Posters and Exhibits. Abstract submissions will open November 3, and authors will be notified by January 10, 2017. Guidance and assistance will be offered to registrants for Chinese Visas (required), travel and sightseeing.

See http://www.consciousness.arizona.edu for information, registration and abstract submission.

—Event Producer