TY  - GEN
ID  - cogprints4482
UR  - http://cogprints.org/4482/
A1  - Pierson, Dr. Lee
A1  - Trout, Monroe
TI  - What is Consciousness For?
Y1  - 2005///
N2  - What is Consciousness For?

Lee Pierson and Monroe Trout
Copyright © 2005

Abstract: The answer to the title question is, in a word, volition. Our hypothesis is that the ultimate adaptive function of consciousness is to make volitional movement possible. All conscious processes exist to subserve that ultimate function. Thus, we believe that all conscious organisms possess at least some volitional capability. Consciousness makes volitional attention possible; volitional attention, in turn, makes volitional movement possible. There is, as far as we know, no valid theoretical argument that consciousness is needed for any function other than volitional movement and no convincing empirical evidence that consciousness performs any other ultimate function. Consciousness, via volitional action, increases the likelihood that an organism will direct its attention, and ultimately its movements, to whatever is most important for its survival and reproduction. 

AV  - public
KW  - consciousness
KW  -  function of consciousness
KW  -  mental causation
KW  -  evolution
KW  -  volition
KW  -  free will
KW  -  automatization
KW  -  pleasure/pain  
ER  -

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