This event celebrates the recent publication of Tony Cheng\u2019s new book, Conundrums of Consciousness: In Search of Several Non-fundamental Theories<\/em><\/a> (Routledge, 2026). Consciousness remains one of the most persistent and difficult subjects in philosophy and the cognitive sciences. In the book, Cheng approaches this broad terrain through ten interconnected conundrums, distinguishing five comparatively \u201ceasy\u201d problems from five \u201chard\u201d ones, while examining what different kinds of theories can\u2014and cannot\u2014reasonably be expected to explain.<\/p>\n In this talk, Cheng will introduce the central motivations and arguments of the book, with particular attention to the possibility that consciousness may be better understood through several complementary, non-fundamental theories rather than a single all-encompassing account. The discussion will also consider the methodological relationship between philosophy, psychology, neuroscience, and contemporary consciousness science.<\/p>\n The event is organised by the Waseda Institute for Advanced Study (WIAS) in collaboration with Consciousness Club Tokyo<\/a>, a Tokyo-based interdisciplinary forum promoting discussion across philosophy, neuroscience, artificial intelligence, complex systems, computer science, robotics, and related fields. The talk will be followed by an open discussion.<\/p>\nProfile of Speaker<\/h5>\n