Neurosciences of Experience: Commemorating 10 Years Since the Passing of Oliver Sacks.

Abstract

In 2025, a decade will have passed since the death of Oliver Sacks, yet his legacy continues to resonate through publications and events dedicated to his memory. This article examines Sacks' enduring influence on neurosciences, highlighting his contributions to narrative medicine and his role as a key figure in the "third culture," which bridges science, the humanities, and the arts. While often criticized during his career for sensationalizing science and allegedly exploiting his patients by portraying them as a "freak show," Sacks ultimately gained recognition for humanizing medical practice. Furthermore, his work brought the complexities of neurological disorders into public awareness while emphasizing the subjective experiences of patients. Though some of his methods were unconventional within twentieth-century neurology, Sacks is best understood as part of a tradition within the neurosciences that prioritizes the subjective dimension of experience. This article situates Oliver Sacks' contributions within the broader frameworks of clinical humanities, offering a critical analysis of the context of his work. It also explores key challenges confronting the neurosciences of subjective experience, particularly the need to enhance the scientific rigor of verbal data analysis through qualitative and neurophenomenological methodologies. Given that the understanding of neurological and neuropsychological disorders cannot be fully captured through biological and behavioral variables alone, qualitative approaches that examine the subjective experiences of illness are indispensable. These methodologies not only promote a humane and inclusive perspective but also provide a rigorous framework for illuminating the subjective dimension.