The Hard Problem of Consciousness is a term coined by philosopher Davy Chalmers.

It addresses the challenge of explaining why and how subjective experiences, or qualia, arise from neural processes.

This contrasts with the Easy Problem of Consciousness, which deals with understanding the brain's functional aspects, like information processing and behavioral responses.

While the term Easy Problem is used somewhat down in chic, Chalmers emphasizes that these issues are still quite challenging.

As cognitive psychologist Steven Pinker notes, they are quote-unquote easy only in comparison to the Hard Problem.

At least for the quote-unquote easy problem, scientists know what to look for, and with sufficient resources and intellectual effort, solutions might be found within this century.

The Hard Problem, on the other hand, seeks to uncover why these processes are associated with personal internal experiences, such as the redness of red, or the pain of the headache.

While science can map brain activity and understand its function, this problem questions why these processes give rise to a conscious state, rather than operating in darkness.

It's a philosophical issue that continues to puzzle researchers in neuroscience, cognitive science, and philosophy.