Work

Theories of consciousness are solutions in need of problems

Year: 2020

Type: editorial

Abstract: Doerig et al. point out a number of shortcomings with existing theories of consciousness and argue they should be systematically constrained by empirical data. In this commentary I suggest a further constraint - the potential functions of (the contents of) consciousness. One such candidate function in humans is the social sharing of reportable mental states. The social function of consciousnessprovides a general framework within which to understand the evolution and neurobiology of conscious awareness.

Source: Cognitive Neuroscience

DOI: 10.1080/17588928.2020.1841744

Author: Stephen M. Fleming

Institutions: Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, University College London

Language: English

Topic: Philosophy and Theoretical Science

Subfield: Experimental and Cognitive Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funders: Wellcome Trust, Leverhulme Trust

Award: Improving self-awareness: Manipulating the neural substrates of self-belief