“The Elephant in the Room. Investigating Consciousness Beyond Reductionism”
University of Padova (February 21-23, 2024)

The international conference The Elephant in the Room, held from 21 to 23 February 2024 at the University of Padova, was an important opportunity for dialogue on the topic of consciousness from an interdisciplinary perspective. The event was jointly organized by the Research Center of the Italian Buddhist Union, the University of Padova, and the India Foundation, in collaboration with Mind and Life Europe, Ottawa University, and the Mind Care Foundation.

The event brought together experts in neuroscience, philosophy of mind, physics, and contemplative research to explore the nature of consciousness—one of the most complex and unresolved questions of our time. The conference addressed the theoretical and methodological challenges involved in studying consciousness, highlighting its central role in contemporary debates, particularly in light of developments in fields such as artificial intelligence and biotechnology.

Each speaker was invited to respond to the fundamental question “What is consciousness?” by offering arguments and research hypotheses. The event fostered open dialogue between scientific, philosophical, and contemplative forms of knowledge, encouraging collaboration across diverse approaches.

The conference was aimed at scholars, students, and interested participants, with the goal of promoting critical and engaged discussion on one of the most urgent and fascinating themes of contemporary thought.