&gt; the hard problem of consciousness cannot be solved via the scientific method<p>Then why are you arguing about the choices of a nominally scientific institution? If you want to practice mysticism, you&#x27;re free to do so, but it&#x27;s strange to argue that academic institutions (which are, ideally, based in fact) should do the same.<p>&gt; consciousness, the experience of qualia, is not externally observable.<p>Unless you believe in otherworldly mystical forces producing consciousness, we have neuroscience. There&#x27;s no reason, in principle, that the behavior of the brain should not be entirely observable.