Why Does Anything Matter?
Exploring the Hard Problem of Consciousness.
Why Does Anything Matter? Exploring the Hard Problem of Consciousness.
Among all the phenomena in the universe, consciousness stands out as uniquely mysterious. Unlike stars, atoms, or even life, consciousness involves subjective experience, something utterly different from the impersonal, observable behaviour of physical matter. Without consciousness, there is no joy, no love, no moral agency, no appreciation of beauty, and no understanding of truth. Without consciousness, the universe would be a silent, impersonal machine. The existence of beings capable of joy, understanding, and moral reflection is not just a scientific or philosophical curiosity—it is a window into the ultimate nature of reality. Explaining how and why the universe supports conscious beings is central to understanding reality itself.
Science can explain how neurons fire or how the brain processes information, but it cannot explain why these processes come with subjective awareness. For example:
A scientist can describe the mechanics of vision, but this doesn't explain what it’s like to see red.
A robot might "process" pain signals, but we have no reason to believe it feels anything.
This disconnect between the physical processes of the brain and the experience of consciousness makes it one of the deepest mysteries in both science and philosophy.
What is Consciousness?
Consciousness refers to the inner, subjective experience of being alive and aware. It is the "what it’s like" to experience thoughts, feelings, and sensations. For example:
What it’s like to see the colour red.
What it’s like to feel joy or pain.
What it’s like to introspect or engage in self-reflection.
These first-person experiences, often referred to as qualia, are radically different from anything else studied by the physical sciences, which focus on objective, third-person phenomena (e.g. the position of particles, the laws of motion, or the chemical composition of matter).
Why Consciousness is Surprising
Imagine an alien scientist with perfect knowledge of physics and biology but no personal experience of consciousness. Studying the universe, they could predict the motion of planets, the evolution of life, and even the complexity of human brains. But nothing in this data would reveal the existence of subjective experience—what it’s like to feel joy, pain, or wonder.
This is because consciousness isn’t something you can measure like mass or energy. It’s a qualitative leap—a shift from the physical to the experiential. Under naturalism (the idea that the universe is purely physical), this leap is profoundly unexpected.
The Naturalistic Challenge: Explaining Consciousness
For atheism, consciousness is a surprising anomaly. A universe governed by blind, impersonal forces doesn’t "need" subjective experience.
Even if consciousness is an emergent property of the brain, atheism still struggles to explain why the universe includes the precise physical conditions for it to arise. Why does a random, purposeless universe produce something so rich, valuable, and seemingly unnecessary?
Atheism expects a clockwork universe; theism expects a conscious one.
Consciousness as an Outlier in the Physical Universe
Consciousness stands apart because it cannot be directly observed, measured, or described using the tools of physics or chemistry.
A scientist can describe the firing of neurons in the brain or the chemical changes in synapses, but this does not capture what it feels like to be the person experiencing those brain states.
In this sense, consciousness is ontologically unique—it is not reducible to physical properties, and its existence poses a profound challenge to any worldview that assumes the universe is purely material or reducible to impersonal, mechanical processes.
Even if neuroscience explains how neurons fire or how brains process information, this doesn’t explain why these processes are accompanied by subjective experiences, like the sound of music, the taste of chocolate, the redness of red, the blueness of blue.
This is not merely a gap in our understanding; it is a fundamental mystery of how third-person processes generate first-person experiences.
Philosophical and Scientific Puzzles
Philosophers have long struggled to explain how and why consciousness arises. This is known as the hard problem of consciousness, a term coined by philosopher David Chalmers.
The hard problem is distinct from the “easy” problems of consciousness, which deal with understanding perception or memory, cognition. The hard problem asks:
Why does any of this feel like something from the inside?
Why is there a subjective inner world rather than just unconscious processing?
Why does consciousness exist at all?
Science can explain the physical processes in the brain, but it does not explain why those processes are accompanied by subjective awareness. No amount of studying the circuitry of a supercomputer can reveal whether it feels anything. Consciousness is not about output, therefore, but about inwardness—what it is like to exist from within.
The Shock of Consciousness in a Physical World
A Hypothetical Non-Conscious Observer
Imagine a non-conscious entity observing the physical universe—a hypothetical being that can see and understand all physical phenomena but lacks any inner experience or self-awareness.
Such an observer might analyse the behaviour of particles, the laws of physics, or the evolution of life. However, they would find no hint of subjective experience in the data:
Particles and forces interact in predictable ways, but there is no reason to expect them to give rise to sensations like pain, joy, or the perception of beauty.
The universe, as described by physics, seems like a vast, impersonal machine, devoid of anything like "what it’s like" to be inside it.
The Leap from Physical to Experiential
Consciousness represents a qualitative leap from the physical to the experiential.
Imagine watching a machine, like a robot or a supercomputer, process data. Even if the machine behaves like a conscious being (e.g. it acts intelligently, reacts to stimuli, etc.), this does not guarantee it feels anything.
The sheer existence of subjective awareness—an inner world of experience—cannot be deduced or predicted from the behaviour of physical matter alone. This makes consciousness deeply surprising and inexplicable under a purely physicalist worldview.
Why This Is Profoundly Surprising
The laws of physics describe quantitative phenomena (e.g. mass, energy, force) that can be expressed mathematically. These laws give no indication that they also produce qualitative phenomena, like the feeling of pain or the appreciation of music.
From the standpoint of physicalism, it seems arbitrary or inexplicable that consciousness should arise at all. Why should the arrangement of matter in a brain result in subjective experience, rather than simply unconscious information processing?
This "qualitative gap" cries out for an explanation, and any worldview that denies the uniqueness of consciousness must account for this surprising phenomenon.
Conclusion: A Universe Transformed by Consciousness
The existence of consciousness transforms the universe from a purely mechanical, impersonal reality into one filled with meaning, value, and experience. This transformation is unexpected on atheistic naturalism, which views the universe as fundamentally indifferent and devoid of purpose. However, on theism, the existence of consciousness is far less surprising: a rational, purposeful God would naturally create beings capable of subjective awareness as the primary locus of value and meaning in creation. The very idea that any being can have an experience or a sense of existence highlights consciousness as one of the greatest mysteries in existence—one that seems more fitting in a theistic universe than in a purely physical one.
Dualism and Psychophysical Laws
This section explores the implications of dualism—the view that consciousness cannot be reduced to physical matter—and the corresponding concept of psychophysical laws. It highlights how theism provides a coherent and predictive framework for these laws, while atheism struggles to explain them.
The Dualist Perspective
Consciousness as Fundamentally Non-Physical
Dualism proposes that mind and matter are distinct substances. Consciousness is not just another property of physical matter; it is something fundamentally different and irreducible to physical components.
For example:
The structure and function of neurons in the brain can be described in terms of chemistry and physics, but this does not explain why these processes are accompanied by subjective experience—the “what it’s like” to be a conscious being.
Psychophysical Laws
Dualists argue that there must be psychophysical laws, basic principles governing the relationship between physical arrangements (like brain activity) and mental states (like thoughts, emotions, and sensations).
These laws are not reducible to physical explanations, meaning they cannot be derived from, or predicted by, the laws of physics or chemistry alone.
Psychophysical laws are considered fundamental features of reality that explain how certain configurations of matter (e.g., a human brain) correlate with specific conscious experiences.
Why This is Profound
Psychophysical laws point to a universe that is not purely physical but includes principles specifically tailored to produce conscious experience.
This implies that consciousness is not an accidental by-product of physical processes, but something deeply embedded in the fabric of reality.
Theism’s Natural Fit with Psychophysical Laws
Consciousness as Expected on Theism
On theism, the existence of psychophysical laws makes perfect sense. God, as a maximally good, rational being, would value conscious beings as the primary source of moral, relational, and aesthetic value in the universe.
Consciousness is not just an incidental feature of creation but a central component of God’s purpose in creating the world.
Subjective Experience as a Source of Value
Consciousness allows for the existence of meaningful experiences:
The ability to appreciate beauty, experience love, pursue moral goodness, and know truth.
These experiences enrich creation and align with the theistic view of a purposeful, value-driven universe.
Without conscious beings, the universe would lack the ability to contain or recognise intrinsic value.
Thus, on theism, it is not surprising that God would ensure the existence of psychophysical laws to create conscious beings capable of these experiences.
Psychophysical Laws Reflecting Divine Intent
God’s rational and moral nature provides a grounding for why certain physical arrangements (e.g., the human brain) would be specially connected to subjective experience.
The laws bridging the physical and mental realms are not arbitrary; they are the result of intentional design, ensuring that consciousness arises as a key feature of the universe.
Atheism’s Struggle with Psychophysical Laws
The Problem of Surprising Specificity
On atheism, the existence of psychophysical laws is far less expected.
A universe governed by impersonal, blind forces of physics has no intrinsic reason to give rise to conscious beings.
The existence of laws that specifically link physical states to subjective experiences appears arbitrary and unexplained in an atheistic framework.
Why Would Consciousness Emerge?
If the universe were the product of purely natural forces, why would it include laws that allow for the emergence of consciousness?
Atheism predicts a universe that is indifferent to subjective experience. In fact, a "barren" universe devoid of conscious beings seems more in line with the impersonal, mechanistic nature of atheism.
Fine-Tuning of Psychophysical Laws
Not all physical arrangements produce consciousness; only certain finely tuned configurations (e.g. specific brain structures and functions) give rise to subjective experience.
The specificity of these laws makes them seem unlikely on atheism. Without intentional design, why would the universe contain such laws at all?
Atheists might argue that these laws are simply brute facts, but this explanation lacks the coherence of theism.
The Predictive Power of Theism
Theism Expects Consciousness
A theist would naturally predict the existence of psychophysical laws because consciousness is central to God’s purposes in creating the universe.
God’s nature as a morally perfect, rational being entails the creation of those capable of subjective awareness, moral reasoning, and relationship. Psychophysical laws are how this purpose is achieved.
Atheism Treats Consciousness as a Coincidence
On atheism, the emergence of psychophysical laws is an inexplicable accident—a brute fact with no deeper reason or purpose.
This makes consciousness profoundly surprising and improbable in an atheistic framework, whereas it is natural and expected on theism.
A Thought Experiment
Suppose a theist and an atheist were asked to predict whether psychophysical laws would exist before learning about consciousness:
The theist would assign a higher probability to their existence, as they align with God’s purpose of creating conscious beings.
The atheist, believing the universe to be blind and indifferent, would have no reason to expect such laws.
Consciousness as Evidence for Theism
The existence of psychophysical laws thus tilts the balance of probability in favour of theism. Theism provides a coherent framework for understanding why these laws exist, while atheism struggles to account for their surprising specificity and relevance to conscious life.
Conclusion: Dualism, Psychophysical Laws, and Theism
Dualism and psychophysical laws highlight the uniqueness of consciousness and the need for explanatory frameworks beyond purely physicalist accounts.
Theism predicts and explains the existence of psychophysical laws as the intentional design of a rational, morally perfect Creator who values conscious beings.
Atheism, by contrast, treats these laws as brute facts or improbable coincidences, offering no deeper explanation for why consciousness arises in a universe governed by impersonal forces.
Therefore, the existence of psychophysical laws and the remarkable phenomenon of consciousness strongly support theistic explanations over atheistic ones.
The Argument’s Strength for Physicalists
This section addresses whether the argument from consciousness still holds weight if one accepts physicalism—the view that consciousness arises entirely from physical processes, with no need to posit non-physical entities or dualistic laws. Surprisingly, even under physicalism, consciousness remains profoundly puzzling and far more coherent under a theistic framework than an atheistic one.
Even Physicalist Consciousness is Surprising
Consciousness as an Astonishing Phenomenon
Suppose physicalism is true, and consciousness arises purely from physical processes in the brain. Even then, the fact that certain physical states lead to subjective, first-person experience is deeply surprising.
Under a physicalist framework, the universe is fundamentally made of matter and energy operating according to impersonal, blind forces. There is no inherent reason to expect that matter, when arranged in specific ways, should feel like anything from the inside.
Consciousness seems to be an unnecessary addition to the physical world, one that physicalism cannot easily predict or explain.
The Chemical Compound Analogy
Imagine there is a chemical compound that necessarily forms crystals spelling out “made by God.”
Even if this result is physically necessary, it would still call for explanation: Why does this compound have such a specific, meaningful property?
We wouldn’t simply shrug and say, “That’s just how it is.” Instead, we would wonder why the universe is structured in such a way that this compound behaves in this unexpected, meaningful manner.
Similarly, the existence of physical arrangements that necessarily give rise to consciousness would be astonishing and demand explanation. Consciousness is not just another property of matter (like density or temperature)—it introduces meaningful, subjective experience into an otherwise impersonal universe.
Consciousness as an Anomaly on Atheism
On atheism, consciousness appears as an anomaly—a brute fact with no deeper purpose. A purely physical universe governed by blind forces doesn’t need consciousness to exist; it could function perfectly well with only unconscious processes.
Even if consciousness arises necessarily from certain physical states, the mere existence of those states in a blind, purposeless universe remains surprising. Why would a universe indifferent to value, purpose, and meaning produce something so extraordinary as subjective experience?
Why Theism is Different
On theism, the emergence of consciousness is not surprising at all. God, as a morally perfect and rational being, would value conscious creatures as the primary locus of moral, relational, and aesthetic value.
Consciousness aligns perfectly with theistic expectations: it enriches creation and allows for beings capable of moral responsibility, meaningful relationships, and the appreciation of beauty and truth.
The Likelihood of Consciousness-Permitting Physical States
Only Certain Physical Configurations Yield Consciousness
Not all physical systems produce consciousness. For example:
A rock or a pool of water, no matter how large or complex, does not generate subjective awareness.
Consciousness arises only in very specific configurations of matter, such as those found in the human brain (or possibly in other highly organized neural systems).
The rarity of consciousness-permitting physical states makes their existence surprising under a naturalistic framework. Why should the universe contain the precise conditions necessary for consciousness to arise?
The Problem on Atheism
On atheism, there’s no reason to expect the universe to contain the specific physical states required for consciousness.
A universe governed solely by impersonal physical laws is far more likely to be devoid of consciousness, consisting only of lifeless matter and unconscious processes.
If consciousness arises only under rare and specific conditions, atheism struggles to explain why the universe includes those conditions at all.
The Theistic Explanation
On theism, the existence of consciousness-permitting physical states is entirely expected. A morally perfect God would intentionally design the universe to allow for the emergence of conscious beings.
Theism predicts that the universe would be “set up” in a way that supports consciousness:
The physical laws, constants, and structures of the universe would be fine-tuned to create conditions where conscious life can arise.
Consciousness is not an accidental by-product but a deliberate result of God’s creative intent.
An Illustration of the Contrast
Imagine two universes:
Universe A (Atheistic): Contains only blind physical forces. There’s no reason for the emergence of consciousness, yet somehow the universe contains the exact conditions needed to produce it.
Universe B (Theistic): Designed by a Creator who values consciousness and ensures the universe has the conditions necessary for it to emerge.
Universe B makes far more sense given the reality of consciousness. It avoids the coincidence problem that plagues Universe A, where consciousness seems like an inexplicable fluke.
Why This Matters for Physicalists
Physicalism Still Needs Explanation
Even if physicalism is true and consciousness is ultimately a physical phenomenon, the question remains: Why does the universe include physical states capable of generating subjective experience?
Physicalism alone does not answer this question—it merely shifts the mystery to a different level.
Theism as a Superior Explanation
Theism provides a clear and coherent explanation for why the universe includes consciousness-permitting physical states. God, as a purposeful Creator, ensures that the universe is structured to support conscious beings.
Atheism, by contrast, offers no reason to expect these states to exist. Consciousness becomes a brute fact—deeply surprising and unexplained.
Conclusion: Physicalist Consciousness and Theism
Even if one accepts physicalism, the existence of consciousness is still profoundly surprising under atheism. The rarity and specificity of physical states that give rise to subjective experience call for explanation, and atheism struggles to provide one. On theism, by contrast, consciousness is natural and expected. A purposeful, rational God would create a universe that permits and fosters conscious life. This alignment between theism and the existence of consciousness makes theistic explanations far more compelling than atheistic alternatives, even for those who view consciousness as a purely physical phenomenon.
The Argument’s Core Points
This section consolidates the argument for theism based on consciousness by emphasizing how atheism struggles to explain the existence of consciousness while theism offers a coherent and plausible framework. It also highlights the argument’s applicability to both dualist and physicalist perspectives.
The Existence of Consciousness is Surprising on Atheism
The Nature of the Atheistic Universe
On atheism, the universe is assumed to be the product of impersonal, blind forces operating according to physical laws with no guiding purpose or intention.
A purely atheistic universe, governed by such forces, is not inherently directed toward producing beings with subjective awareness. There is no mechanism or principle in atheism that would make consciousness likely or necessary.
Why Psychophysical Laws or Consciousness-Permitting Physical States Are Surprising
The universe could have been completely devoid of conscious beings, consisting only of lifeless matter and energy.
The emergence of psychophysical laws (for dualists) or consciousness-permitting physical states (for physicalists) seems like an unlikely coincidence in a purposeless, mechanistic universe.
Without a deliberate guiding force, why should particles and fields of energy give rise to inner experiences? A universe without consciousness would appear far more in line with atheistic expectations.
Imagine a non-conscious entity observing the universe. It could study the behaviour of particles, the formation of stars, and the evolution of life—but it would never predict the emergence of subjective awareness. The universe would appear like a mechanical clock, silent and unfeeling.
The Remarkable Coincidence of Consciousness as the \Centre of Value
Consciousness isn’t just an arbitrary phenomenon; it is the primary centre of value in the universe.
Without consciousness, there is no one to experience joy, appreciate beauty, engage in relationships, or reflect on moral truths.
The emergence of something so central to meaning and value, in a universe that atheism posits as indifferent to such concerns, seems profoundly surprising.
This renders consciousness a remarkable coincidence on atheism, undermining the plausibility of an atheistic worldview.
Theism Offers a Plausible Explanation
Consciousness Fits Naturally with Theism
On theism, the existence of consciousness is not a surprising anomaly but an expected outcome.
God, as a maximally good and rational being, would create a universe filled with conscious beings capable of:
Appreciating moral and aesthetic values.
Engaging in meaningful relationships with one another and with God.
Acting as moral agents, participating in and contributing to the goodness of creation.
A Deliberate Design
Theism posits that consciousness is not a by-product of impersonal processes but the intended result of God’s creative activity.
God’s nature as all-good, all-knowing, and all-powerful ensures that the universe is structured to support the emergence of conscious beings. This includes:
The creation of psychophysical laws (for dualists).
The fine-tuning of physical constants and arrangements that allow for consciousness-permitting states (for physicalists).
Consciousness as Part of God’s Purpose
Conscious beings are the pinnacle of creation, providing the universe with meaning, value, and moral significance.
Theism predicts that God would prioritize the existence of conscious beings, aligning with the observation that consciousness is central to the universe as we know it.
Consciousness transforms the universe from a mere mechanism into a place of meaning, beauty, and value.
Applicability to Both Dualism and Physicalism
For Dualists: Psychophysical Laws Seem Arbitrary on Atheism
Dualists propose the existence of psychophysical laws that govern how physical states (e.g. brain activity) correspond to mental states (e.g. thoughts, feelings).
On atheism, these laws appear arbitrary—there is no reason why blind, impersonal forces should produce such specific and finely tuned laws that give rise to subjective experience.
By contrast, on theism, psychophysical laws make perfect sense as the intentional design of a Creator who desires beings capable of conscious experience.
For Physicalists: Consciousness-Permitting States Are Surprising
Physicalists argue that consciousness arises from the right arrangement of matter, such as the complexity of the human brain.
However, not all physical states produce consciousness; only very specific configurations result in subjective awareness.
On atheism, there is no intrinsic reason for the universe to contain the specific physical states necessary for consciousness.
Even if consciousness arises necessarily from certain physical states, this does not explain why the universe contains those states rather than others. Why should a purposeless universe include the precise conditions for conscious life?
On theism, however, we would expect the universe to be “fine-tuned” for consciousness because God desires conscious beings.
A Shared Problem for Atheism
Whether one adopts dualism or physicalism, atheism struggles to explain the rarity, specificity, and significance of consciousness.
Theism, by contrast, provides a unified explanation that accommodates both perspectives:
For dualists, God creates and sustains the psychophysical laws needed for consciousness.
For physicalists, God fine-tunes the physical universe to ensure consciousness arises.
Theism’s Predictive Power
A Thought Experiment: Predicting Consciousness
Imagine a theist and an atheist predicting whether consciousness would exist in the universe:
The theist would confidently expect consciousness, since it aligns with God’s purpose of creating beings capable of value, relationship, and moral agency.
The atheist would have no reason to expect consciousness, as blind, impersonal forces do not aim at producing subjective experience.
Consciousness as Evidence for Theism
The existence of consciousness tilts the balance of probability in favour of theism.
Theism makes consciousness natural and expected, while atheism struggles to account for its surprising emergence.
Conclusion: The Core Points of the Argument
Consciousness on Atheism:
The emergence of consciousness is deeply surprising on atheism, appearing as an arbitrary or inexplicable anomaly in a purposeless, impersonal universe.
Whether through psychophysical laws (dualism) or fine-tuned physical states (physicalism), atheism lacks a coherent explanation for why consciousness exists.
Consciousness on Theism:
Theism provides a clear and plausible explanation: consciousness exists because a maximally good, rational God designed the universe with the specific purpose of creating beings capable of subjective experience.
This makes consciousness an expected and central feature of the universe under theism.
Applicability Across Worldviews:
Whether one adopts a dualist or physicalist framework, the surprising nature of consciousness under atheism contrasts sharply with the coherence and predictive power of theism.
Implication:
The reality of consciousness strongly favours theism as the more robust explanatory framework for understanding the nature of the universe and its most remarkable phenomenon: the emergence of subjective experience.
The Argument’s Place in the Cumulative Case for Theism
The argument from consciousness is not presented as a standalone proof of God’s existence. Instead, it serves as a powerful component in the cumulative case for theism, strengthening the overall coherence and explanatory power of the theistic worldview. Below, we expand on how this argument integrates into and reinforces the broader theistic framework.
Explaining Consciousness Adds to Theism’s Explanatory Power
The Fundamental Mystery of Consciousness
Consciousness is one of the most perplexing aspects of reality. Unlike purely physical phenomena, it cannot be fully captured by the objective, third-person descriptions provided by science.
The existence of subjective experience (the "what it’s like" of being conscious) defies easy explanation and is widely regarded as the hard problem of consciousness in philosophy.
Any worldview that can account for consciousness—its existence, its nature, and its significance—has a significant explanatory advantage over one that cannot.
A Coherent Explanation
Theism explains consciousness as a direct result of creative intention:
God, as a maximally good, rational being, values subjective experience as a locus of meaning, moral agency, and relationship.
Conscious beings are not accidental by-products of blind processes but the intended outcome of a purposeful creation.
By rooting consciousness in the intentions of a divine Creator, theism provides a satisfying explanation for why consciousness exists and why it plays such a central role in the universe.
Consciousness as Brute Mystery
Atheistic naturalism treats consciousness as an unexplained anomaly—a “brute fact” of the universe.
Without purpose, design, or intention, there is no intrinsic reason for the universe to include the complex arrangements of matter or laws necessary for subjective experience.
Consciousness demands an explanation for its seemingly unnecessary but deeply meaningful presence.
This inability to account for consciousness weakens the explanatory power of atheism compared to theism.
The Weight of the Argument
While not definitive, the argument from consciousness significantly tilts the balance of explanatory power in favour of theism.
A worldview that can explain both the physical and subjective dimensions of reality is more compelling than one that leaves essential aspects of existence unexplained.
Alignment with Other Theistic Arguments
The argument from consciousness complements and reinforces several other theistic arguments, creating a holistic framework for understanding reality.
The Argument from Fine-Tuning
The fine-tuning argument highlights how the physical constants and laws of the universe are precisely calibrated to allow for the emergence of life.
The argument from consciousness takes this further, showing that the universe is not only fine-tuned for life but also for conscious, sentient beings capable of subjective experience and moral agency.
Consciousness doesn’t just align with the fine-tuning argument, it completes it. The fine-tuning of the universe not only allows for life but for conscious, moral agents capable of appreciating and reflecting on creation.
Together, these arguments present a universe that is purposefully designed to support beings of immense value.
The Argument from Morality
The moral argument posits that objective moral values and duties exist, which theism explains as rooted in God’s nature.
Consciousness is a prerequisite for morality: without conscious beings, there are no moral agents or subjects to experience good and evil.
By accounting for consciousness, theism strengthens the foundation for objective morality and provides a cohesive explanation of moral and experiential realities.
The Argument from Intelligibility
The intelligibility argument emphasizes the universe’s rational, ordered nature, which allows us to understand and describe it through mathematics and science.
Consciousness enhances this argument by demonstrating that the universe not only supports rational inquiry but also produces rational inquirers capable of understanding it.
While naturalism struggles to explain the coexistence of physical laws, fine-tuning, and consciousness, theism integrates these phenomena into a coherent whole: a universe created by a rational, purposeful God.
Theism unifies these threads: a rational God creates a rational universe, inhabited by rational, conscious beings.
The Cumulative Weight
Each of these arguments strengthens the others, forming a mutually reinforcing network of evidence for theism.
The argument from consciousness adds a vital dimension, addressing the subjective, experiential aspects of reality that other arguments do not fully capture.
A Challenge for Atheists
The Unexplained Existence of Psychophysical or Consciousness-Permitting Laws
Atheists must explain why the universe includes not only physical laws but also psychophysical laws (dualism) or consciousness-permitting states (physicalism).
On atheism, the existence of these laws appears arbitrary and deeply surprising:
Why should blind, impersonal processes produce subjective experience?
Why should the universe contain the specific configurations of matter required for consciousness to emerge?
The Brute Fact Problem
Atheists might argue that the existence of consciousness is a brute fact—something that simply exists without further explanation.
However, this response is unsatisfying for several reasons:
It lacks predictive power: atheism does not lead us to expect consciousness, making its existence a coincidence.
It contrasts sharply with theism, which predicts and explains the existence of conscious beings.
Brute fact explanations tend to multiply mysteries rather than resolve them, weakening the overall coherence of atheism.
Atheism’s Struggle with Value
Consciousness is the primary locus of value in the universe. It enables experiences of beauty, morality, relationships, and purpose.
Atheism, which proposes a purposeless and indifferent universe, struggles to account for the emergence of beings capable of these meaningful experiences.
Theism, by contrast, places consciousness at the centre of a purposeful creation, aligning with its central role in reality.
Conclusion: The Role of the Argument in Theism’s Cumulative Case
Strengthening Theism’s Plausibility
The argument from consciousness does not stand in isolation but enhances the overall explanatory power of theism.
It addresses a critical aspect of reality—subjective experience—that other theistic arguments might not directly engage, providing a fuller picture of why the universe is as it is.
Theism as a Unified Framework
By integrating the argument from consciousness with those from fine-tuning, morality, and intelligibility, theism emerges as a unified and coherent worldview capable of explaining both the physical and mental dimensions of existence.
The Burden on Atheism
Atheists must grapple with why a purposeless, impersonal universe contains the specific conditions necessary for consciousness. Without a compelling naturalistic explanation, atheism appears incomplete and less plausible than theism.
A Compelling Cumulative Case
While no single argument might be decisive, the cumulative weight of multiple arguments, each addressing a different aspect of reality, makes theism the most robust and coherent explanation of the universe.
The argument from consciousness is a critical piece of this puzzle, highlighting the remarkable phenomenon of subjective experience and its central role in creation.
Conclusion: Consciousness as Evidence for Theism
The existence of consciousness—our ability to have subjective, first-person experiences—is one of the most profound and puzzling features of reality. This conclusion draws together the key points of the argument, highlighting why consciousness supports theism and challenges atheistic naturalism.
Consciousness as a Surprise on Atheism
The Inexplicability of Consciousness on Atheism
Atheism posits that the universe is the result of impersonal, purposeless forces operating without intention or design. Within such a framework:
Consciousness appears as an anomalous accident, a highly specific and inexplicable by-product of physical processes.
The universe could function perfectly well without conscious beings, making the emergence of subjective awareness deeply surprising.
If consciousness were absent, atheism would have no difficulty accounting for a purely material universe governed by blind physical laws. The presence of subjective experience introduces an unexplained mystery that atheism struggles to address.
Why Consciousness is a Challenge for Naturalism
Under naturalism, there is no inherent reason why specific physical configurations, such as the human brain, should give rise to consciousness. This lack of explanatory connection between physical processes and subjective experience leaves a gaping hole in the naturalistic worldview.
Whether one adopts dualism (requiring psychophysical laws) or physicalism (requiring consciousness-permitting physical states), atheism fails to provide a satisfying explanation for why consciousness exists.
Consciousness is not just a feature of reality; it is a window into the universe’s deepest truths. Its existence challenges us to ask whether the universe is merely a machine or the work of a Creator who imbues it with meaning.
Consciousness as Expected on Theism
The Coherence of Theism’s Explanation
Theism proposes a purposeful, value-driven universe created by a morally perfect and rational God. Within this framework:
Consciousness is not an accident but an intentional aspect of creation.
God, as a maximally good being, would naturally value the existence of conscious beings who can appreciate beauty, pursue moral truth, and engage in meaningful relationships.
Consciousness as Central to God’s Purpose
Theism predicts that the universe would be designed to support beings capable of subjective experience:
Without consciousness, there would be no capacity for value, morality, or relationship.
Conscious beings are the locus of meaning in the universe, aligning perfectly with God’s nature and intentions.
Psychophysical laws (for dualists) or consciousness-permitting states (for physicalists) are expected under theism, as they are necessary to bring about beings capable of experiencing and reflecting on the goodness of creation.
A Universe Tailored for Conscious Beings
The fine-tuning of physical laws, the emergence of life, and the existence of consciousness all align with a theistic vision of a purposeful universe designed for beings of immense value.
Far from being a surprising anomaly, consciousness fits seamlessly into theistic expectations of a universe created by a God who delights in goodness, relationship, and moral agency.
Applicability Across Worldviews
Dualism and Theism
For dualists, the existence of psychophysical laws is a natural consequence of a theistic worldview. God would create and sustain these laws to bridge the gap between physical states and subjective experience.
On atheism, by contrast, psychophysical laws seem arbitrary and unexplained, as there is no reason why blind forces should produce laws that connect matter with mind.
Physicalism and Theism
Even if consciousness arises purely from physical processes, its emergence is still surprising on atheism:
Only certain, finely tuned physical states give rise to subjective awareness.
Theism predicts and explains the existence of such states as part of God’s creative plan.
On atheism, however, the emergence of these consciousness-permitting states remains a brute fact with no deeper purpose or explanation.
The Strength of the Argument
The Argument’s Plausibility
This argument does not claim to definitively prove God’s existence, but it highlights a significant explanatory advantage of theism over atheism.
Theism offers a coherent account of why consciousness exists, while atheism treats it as a surprising anomaly or an unexplainable coincidence.
Reinforcing the Cumulative Case for Theism
When combined with other theistic arguments—such as those from fine-tuning, morality, and the intelligibility of the universe—the argument from consciousness adds substantial weight to the overall case for theism.
Together, these arguments form a robust and unified explanation of the universe, encompassing both its physical and mental dimensions.
Explanatory Gap in Naturalistic Worldviews
A Deep Problem for Atheism
Atheists must grapple with why the universe includes not just physical laws but also the specific conditions necessary for consciousness.
Naturalism’s reliance on brute facts and unexplained phenomena weakens its overall explanatory power.
By contrast, theism provides a holistic explanation that accounts for both the existence and the significance of conscious beings.
The Incompatibility of Consciousness and Indifference
Atheism views the universe as indifferent and purposeless, but the emergence of consciousness introduces meaning, value, and moral significance.
This contrast between the universe’s purported indifference and its capacity for subjective experience creates a profound tension within the atheistic worldview.
Final Thoughts
The argument from consciousness highlights one of the most profound and surprising aspects of reality: that certain arrangements of matter give rise to subjective, first-person experience. This phenomenon, which plays a central role in the universe’s value and significance, is deeply surprising under atheism but natural and expected under theism.
By grounding consciousness in the intentions of a morally perfect Creator, theism provides a coherent and compelling account of why conscious beings exist. It bridges the gap between the physical and the experiential, unifying the universe’s material and mental dimensions in a purposeful framework.
Consciousness allows us to ask not just ‘How does the universe work?’ but ‘Why does it matter?’ This capacity for reflection and meaning-seeking hints at a deeper truth about our place in creation.
Whether we view consciousness as the result of psychophysical laws or finely tuned physical arrangements, its existence transforms the universe from an indifferent mechanism into a place of meaning. On atheism, this transformation remains a mystery; on theism, it is the natural outcome of creative purpose.
Consciousness is the universe’s most profound gift: the spark that brings value, love, and moral meaning to existence. Its presence transforms a cold, mechanical cosmos into one brimming with purpose. Atheism struggles to explain this extraordinary reality, while theism offers a compelling vision of a universe intentionally designed for conscious beings who see things as they are and can ask why, and who dare to dream of things that never were, and ask why not.
Ultimately, then, consciousness strengthens the case for theism by addressing one of the deepest explanatory gaps in naturalism, offering a vision of reality in which existence imbued with meaning is not an accident but its very purpose.